Sir Henry Walford Davies

Composer, organist, and broadcaster, born in Oswestry, Shropshire, WC England, UK. He became professor of music at Aberystwyth (1919–26), organist of St George's Chapel, Windsor (1927–32), and Master of the King's Music (1934–41). He was a prolific composer of religious music, and an influential educationist through his radio talks on music.

Sir Henry Walford Davies, KCVO, OBE, (September 6, 1869 - March 11, 1941) was a British composer, who held the title Master of the King's Music from 1934 until 1941. He held a number of organist posts and in 1918 was appointed director of music to the Royal Air Force which led to him writing the March RAF March Past, still played by many marching bands today.

In 1919, Walford Davies was made professor of music at Aberystwyth. He subsequently did much to promote Welsh music, becoming chairman of the Welsh National Council of Music.

In 1924, Walford Davies became professor of music at Gresham College, London: a part-time position giving public lectures.

Walford Davies was knighted in 1922 and, following the death of Edward Elgar in 1934, was appointed Master of the King's Music.

Most of Walford Davies' compositions were religious in flavour, and include the oratorio Everyman, other works for orchestra, choir and soloists, and a large number of services and anthems.

Preceded by: Edward Elgar

Master of the King's Musick 1934–1941

Succeeded by: Arnold Bax