Today marks armistice day, a day of remembrance to honour armed forces members who have died in the line of duty, as well as a time to reflect on the sacrifices of all who have served and continue to serve in the military and other armed forces.
J&S Davis Ltd was founded in 1908 by brothers Joel (Joe) and Solomon (Solly) Davis possibly because their brother Phillip was a dental surgeon. Their first export agencies included Lee S. Smith & Son Manufacturing Co. and Arnold Biber.
The company stopped trading at the start of World War 1. Solly had a distinguished military career as an army captain. He fought through the French, Belgian and Gallipoli campaigns and was awarded the Military Cross.
After the war, the Davis brothers worked in the United Kingdom Dental Ltd which they formed with W Linford Smith. The firm manufactured teeth. Within a year the company was purchased by the DeTrey group (now Dentsply). Joe and Solly then reestablished J&S Davis representing Universal Dental Company, Lee S. Smith & Son Manufacturing Company, J F Jelenko & Company, E J McCormick Rubber Company, King’s Specialist Company and Dentinol and Pyrozide Company.
Solly’s son John joined the family business briefly before enlisting in the RAF. He flew Spitfires until he was knocked over by a lorry in the desert. He was in hospital for several months with a fractured femur during which time most of his squadron were killed. Solly’s three sons all served; John in RAF as already mentioned, Peter as an officer in the Royal Marines (making it his career and ended up as Colonel) and Victor in the Royal Navy.
Joe and Solly remained with DSD until their deaths in 1946 and 1951 respectively. After Solly’s death, John left and restarted J&S Davis Ltd.
During the next forty years John was responsible for bringing to the UK market many products and ideas now thought of as every day. In the seventies his youngest brother Victor was Finance Director.
In 1992 John Davis retired and handed over responsibility for J&S Davis to his son, Daniel Davis. Today, Daniel Davis continues to manage J&S Davis with his son, Oliver Davis, now also in the business, bringing quality dental solutions to dental practices across the UK & Ireland from all over the world.
Today, at 11am, we will take 2 minutes to remember Joe, Solly, John, Peter and Victor Davis, as well as others who served and continue to serve in the military and armed forces.
For more information on the history of J&S Davis Ltd, please click here.