The Haileybury Society is saddened to learn of the dath of Geoffrey Horton Davis (M & Th 38-42) who has died on 28th September 2023, aged 99.

Geoffrey joined Melvill House at Haileybury in 1938 before being relocated with his family to Lower Slaughter where, in 1940, he took his school certificate at Cheltenham College.

He rejoined Haileybury in Thomason House in 1941, becoming a dormitory prefect under the long-serving Housemaster WAC Nurden (HM, 1932-59).
He enjoyed boxing, racquets and squash.

Arctic convoy service

In July 1942, Geoffrey left Haileybury to join the Royal Navy where, as lieutenant in the RNVR, he served in minesweepers and in the coastal service. His duties also took him to the United States, Jamaica, Scotland and Eire.

One of Geoffrey’s proudest achievements is the work he undertook on two Arctic Convoys. These crucial convoys were subsequently recognised by both Presidents Gorbachev and Putin by the presentation of medals. The photograph of Geoffrey is from a ceremony in 2015 commemorating 70 years of peace.

Postwar service

On leaving the Navy Geoffrey initially took an apprenticeship with a firm of chartered surveyors before changing to a career in manufacturing and sales, working in Bristol, London, Kent and Hertfordshire.

In retirement, Geoffrey moved to Falmouth, Cornwall where he reignited his love of the water by buying a share in a small yacht. He also enjoyed spending time walking and looking after a short stretch of the SouthWest coastal path.

In later years, he moved to sheltered accommodation in Felsted, where he was to remain active until his death.

Geoffrey married and had two children. His son Nigel Davis (Th 80) sadly predeceased him in 2008; the Society sends its deepest condolences to his daughter, broader family and friends.