David (Davis) was born on 17 November 1912 in Mile End Old Town, London to Abraham, a newspaper vendor, and Millie nee Berman. David was the eldest of nine children and they all attended South Grove school in Mile End.

David married Estelle Wiseman in Stepney, London in July 1938. The 1939 Register lists them as living with his parents at 18 Ashcroft Road, Stepney and David is working as a newspaper distributor.

David attested into the Royal Artillery in 1940 and was transferred to the Pioneer Corps on 1 October 1941. His records show that he was Reported to War Office Casualty Section for the 24 hours ending at 09.00 on 20 September 1943. It was not until 15 Apr 1944 on the Casualty List No. 1421 he was Previously reported Missing now Presumed Killed in Action. At Sea.