Alexander Davidson

Died of Wounds on the 01/10/1918 at the 49th Casualty Clearing Station. Wounds received (left leg fractured, right ribs fractured) on the 28/09/1918 in an accident near Havrincourt

ADDITIONAL FAMILY INFORMATION - From the 1891 Census - Address - 19 Mack St, Airdrie - Alexander Davidson aged 33, Isabella Davidson aged 28, Annie Davidson aged 8, Mary Davidson aged 6, Alexander Davidson aged 4, Isabella Davidson aged 3, John Davidson aged 1. The 276th Siege Battery were part of the 84th Brigade. Alexander was appointed Corporal with the 276th Siege Battery on the 08/12/1917. See Service Records for a report on Alexander being accidentally injured on the 28th September 1918 which led to his death. The Records state, from Sapper I. J. W. Hall, "I was one of a party proceeding with 2 guns, from Dorgnies to Bois d'Orival, on 28th September 1918. When near the Railway approaching Havrincourt, I received orders to get off the F. W. D. on which I was travelling and assist in pushing it up the hill. I was walking alongside of Corporal Davidson when suddenly I heard a cry, and on looking sharply round, I saw the left hand gun wheel passing over his shoulder. A stretcher was at once obtained and I assisted him to the dressing station. I am of the opinion that the gun skidded on the road and knocked him over, almost instantly passing over him, and that the occurrence was an accident for which no one was to blame". From Lance Bombardier J. Warren "On the 28th September I was travelling with two guns from Dorgnies to Bois d'Orival. When approaching the Railway in the vicinity of Havrincourt, we recieved orders to get of the F. W. D's and help them up the hill, which was very slippery at this point. I was walking on the left hand side of the F. W. D. when I heard a cry, and turning in its direction I saw the wheel of the gun passing over Corporal Davidson's body, across the back and shoulder (right). I at once reported it to the Officer in Charge and then obtained a stretcher and assisted in carrying him to the dressing station". From Major Officer Commanding 276th Siege Battery W. J. Curran "Two guns were being brought forward from Dorgnies to Bois d'Orival on 28th September. Corporal Davidson was one of the NCO's of the detachments accompanying the guns. This appears to be an accident simply. The state of the roads at the point where the accident occurred was very bad. I was there only a few minutes before and consider that an accident of the kind more than probable, This NCO was on duty". Alexander was a well-known baritone singer. He was a soloist in the choir of New Monkland Parish Church for many years before the war. His wife's name was tattooed on his right arm. In his Will dated 24/08/1918 Alexander left all his property and effects to his wife. As of 25/11/1918 she still hadn't received his trench belongings which included a lock of hair, a tobacco pouch, a torch, razors and a whistle. Alexander's Grave states he was 33 when he fell (younger going by Census and Service Records). He is also remembered on the Maxwell Parish Church Roll of Honour and on the Airdrie Memorial x 2 (see photos). See photos for Alexander's Medal Index Card, his Army Register of Soldiers Effects, his Service Medal and Award Rolls, his CWGC Grave Registration x 2, his Headstone Report x 2, his Service Records x 21, Grevillers British Cemetery, the Royal Garrison Artillery Cap Badge and his Pension Records x 2. Alexander's grave inscription reads "EVER REMEMBERED". Finally, see photos for Newspaper clippings x 4 (Coatbridge Express x 2 and Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser x 2).