In 1920 he married Elizabeth Pedelty and the couple had 6 children. The eldest Richard was the skipper on the old "Lugerina" and the 'Koondaloo', the punts that crossed the Hunter River from Stockton to Newcastle.

When they stopped running in Newcastle, both punts, along with the Sydney 'Showboat', were towed up north where they struck bad weather off Trial Bay Beach, South West Rocks.

All three were washed ashore where they remain to this day, rusting in the sand. Bill, Reece, Mary and Margaret followed before the youngest, Keith, the next 'Westy', was born in 1934.

With still plenty of fight in him 'Old Westy' re enlisted in the Forces in 1940 at the age of 50 years and 2 months and was later discharged medically unfit.

He died in 1959. Interesting to note that commercial fishermen were not expected to go to war, although many did choose to go. Their contribution to the War effort was seen as providing food.

Ron 'Tekka' Tarrant remembers 'Old Westy's' Army service with a smile. " 'Old Westy' Davis was in the Army, him and Cec Bagnall.

"They were down at Fort Scratchley in Newcastle but 'Old Westy' got caught AWL in Hunter Street walking along with his boots slung over his shoulder. "His punishment was to be transferred."

" What ever you do," pleaded 'Westy'. "Don't send me to that bloody place they call Tomaree at the entrance to Port Stephens. Don't send me there. I won't go".

"You'll go where we tell you." The Commanding Officer had made his decision. "You are being transferred to the base at - Tomaree."

"Well" according to 'Tekka', "he was never there, he was up the Myall prawning and all. He would rest his gun on the sentry box, take off his boots and head up into the Myall with all the fishermen."

When 'Westy' hit Shoal Bay beach on his return it seemed that he was in more strife as the replacement guard intended to arrest him at gun point.

"Don't worry about it mate, I've got all these for the boss." 'Old Westy' waded ashore with a basket of freshly cooked Myall prawns.

"Free to pass," declared the sentry.