The squadron was soon in action after the outbreak of World War II and he was Mentioned in Despatches in February 1940, "for gallantry and devotion to duty in the execution of air operations.
"[5] By the end of June 1940 Davies had already claimed six German aircraft shot down and two shared, to become a flying ace.
On 27 June 1940 he was in a flight of three Hurricanes sent up as an escort to protect six aircraft on a reconnaissance mission to the French port of St Valery.
He at once turned on the Heinkels destroying one and badly damaging a second before being compelled to break off the engagement owing to shortage of ammunition.
The following day while leading a section of his squadron he sighted and attacked a large formation of Heinkel 111s and shot one down in flames.