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Papers of Cyril Sims Davies

 Single Item
MS. Africa s. 2498

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Letters describing the deterioration of living conditions in Rhodesia, with papers containing reminiscences of Sims Davies by friends and family. Comprises:

  1. (fols. 1-23) letters from Sims Davies to his friends, Stewart and Evelyn Bell, written from Mazoe, Salisbury, Rhodesia, describing his work, living conditions, political unrest in the country, the effect of sanctions (especially the difficulties caused by restrictions on moving money from Britain to Rhodesia), the impact of the 'Bush War' on daily life, deteriorating conditions for white citizens, and news of his daughters' families, Dec. 1964-July 1985
  2. (fols. 24-48) letters from Sims Davies to Stewart and Evelyn Bell, written from Salisbury, Rhodesia, describing their eviction from their home in Mazoe, life in retirement in Salisbury, the rising crime and unemployment in the country, shortages of basic commodities, news of his family, and his failing health, Dec. 1985-July 1996
  3. (fol. 49) letter from Elaine Sims Davies to Stewart and Evelyn Bell, describing life in Salisbury and her husband's poor health, Nov. 1996
  4. (fol. 50) note by Evelyn Bell, 2002, describing her husband's long friendship with Sims Davies, and providing context for his reminiscences of his visits (fols. 51-4)
  5. (fols. 51-4) Stewart Bell's reminiscences of visits by Sims Davies in 1987 and 1990, typed transcripts
  6. (fols. 55-6) short biography of Sims Davies by Meriel Goodchild, the daughter of his only sister, Olive, n.d.
  7. (fols. 57-9) funeral tribute to Sims Davies, author unidentified, [1997]

Dates

  • Creation: 1964-1996

Extent

59 Leaves

Language of Materials

  • English

Preferred Citation

Oxford, Bodleian Libraries [followed by shelfmark and folio or page reference, e.g. MSS. Afr. s. 2498, fols. 1-2].

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Shelfmark:

MS. Africa s. 2498

Collection ID (for staff)

CMD ID 5791

Abstract

Letters of Cyril Sims Davies from Rhodesia

Biographical / Historical

Cyril Sims Davies was born in 1902 in Aberdare, South Wales, to David Griffith Davies, a school-master, and his wife, Margaret, née Jones. He was educated at Neath County School, and the Intermediate School before going to Cambridge to study medicine. After graduating he worked at St. Bartholomews Hospital, London, and Worcester Royal Infirmary, where he met his future wife, Eva Park. In 1929 he went to Kenya as a medical officer with the Kings African Rifles. In 1932 he did a course at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and then joined the colonial service. He was posted to Northern Rhodesia (Zambia) and remained there for most of his career. On his retirement in 1950, he joined the British South Africa Company, and became the doctor on the Mazoe Citrus Estates, outside Salisbury (Harare), Rhodesia (Zimbabwe). At his instigation a 16-bed hospital was built for the estate. His wife Eva died there in 1964, and in 1966 he married the local post-mistress, Elaine Wilkins. They remained in Rhodesia until his death in 1997.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Donated by Stewart Bell, Nov. 2002.

Title
Catalogue of papers of Cyril Sims Davies, 1964-1996
Status
Published
Author
Finding aid prepared by Finding aid prepared by C. Parker
Date
2011
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Bodleian Libraries Repository

Contact:
Weston Library
Broad Street
Oxford OX1 3BG United Kingdom