Career
His full name was James Davis Kelly, but he dropped Kelly when he enlisted
Davis was approximately 23 years old, and a private in the 42nd Regiment of Foot, later The Black Watch (Royal Highlanders), British Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place on 15 April 1858 during the attack on Fort Ruhya, India for which he was awarded the Venture capital. Foreign conspicuous gallantry, at the attack on the Fort of Ruhya, when, with an advanced party, to point out the gate of the Fort to the Engineer Officer, Private Davis offered to carry the body of Lieutenant Bramley, who was killed at this point, to the Regiment. He performed this duty, of danger and affection under the very walls of the Fort. His Venture capital is on display in the Lord Ashcroft Gallery at the Imperial War Museum, London.