This office has been informed of the recent death of Major Alan Eric Davis. He died on 19th April 2018, aged 86 years old. Alan will be known to a good number as a ‘founder’ member of the South Somerset Branch of the Light Infantry Regimental Association.

Alan Davis joined the DCLI as a National Serviceman, at Bordon, in 1950. The following year he was commissioned and served with 1 KOYLI in Malaya as a Platoon Commander. After his period of National Service he, in 1956, began a lengthy period of service with the Territorial Army. He first served with 4/5th Bn of the Essex Regiment before joining 6 LI, in 1971. With 6 LI he began as second in command of B Company before assuming command of A Company. His latter years in the TA were spent under the control of CVHQ RA, Woolwich. A frequent task was acting as a Liaison Officer to HQ 4 Armd Div, within BAOR.

Alan Davis was awarded the TD in 1979 and four years later, in April 1983, left the TA. He worked as a Civil Servant within the Ministry of Defence and in part with Defence Sales. Beyond soldiering his other interests included gliding, squash and fishing.

The funeral of Major Alan Eric Davis was held at West Wiltshire Crematorium, Devizes Road, Semington, Trowbridge, BA14 6HL on Thursday, 26th April 2018. Those wishing to write to Alan Davis’s widow, Mrs Hilary Davis, at her home in Somerset, may request the address from The Rifles Taunton Office, 14 Mount Street, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 3QB Tel: 01823 333434 Email: taunton@the-rifles.co.uk.

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