21st 'Canadians are coming'

George William Davison was born at Alnwick, Northumberland, on the 4th January 1877. He was the eldest son of the late George Davison, a builder, and his wife, Elizabeth, (35 Bondgate Hill, Alnwick), daughter of George Jackson.

George was educated at the Duke's School at Alnwick, and was a Stationer by profession. George married on the 26th December 1902 at Edinburgh, 'Nellie' Helen Thorburn Davison, of 10, Muir Park, Eskbank, Dalkeith, Scotland, who was the third daughter of the late George Allen. They had a daughter called Helen Agnes, who was born on the 20th June 1906.

They emigrated to Canada in March 1910, and resided at 1465 Alexander Avenue, Montreal, Quebec. George was employed on Government work as a shipping clerk.

He enlisted into the Canadian Forces on March 2nd 1917, at Lindsay, Ontario, originally into the 252nd Battalion. His height was described as 5 feet 6 inches, Hazel Eyes with Dark Hair. His religion was stated as Presbyterian. Age stated 40 years and 3 months.

George also had served in the 25th Brant Dragoons for two years. He was drafted to the 21st Battalion on the 14th November 1917.

George embarked on the S.S. Olympic at Halifax on the 29th May 1917, and disembarked at Liverpool on the June 10th 1917, and was then transferred to the 6th Reserve Battalion at Seaford on the 9th June 1917, where he was reduced in rank to private as there was no openings for Corporals.

On November 14th, George was transferred to the 21st Battalion where he arrived at the No 2 Canadian Infantry Base Depot in Etaples, France as part of a draft of 12 reinforcements from England and taken on strength. (TOS).

On the 17th November, 1917, he left the CIBD and joined the CC Rein C (Canadian Corps Reinforcement Camp) in Calonne Ricouart. On November 24th 1917, George left the CC Rein C and joined the 21st Battalion rear party as the battalion was in the front line trench east of Vimy Ridge. He would have joined the main part of the battalion when they were relieved from the front line the following day.

November 29th, 1917 he was attached to the 4th Field Company, Canadian Engineers for duty. George then rejoined the 21st Battalion in the Cellars Camp near Neuville St Vaast on December 11th 1917.

March 1st 1918, while the battalion was in billets in Lieven, work parties were supplied to help rebuild trenches etc. While on one of these work parties, Private Davison received severe shrapnel wounds to his arms and legs from an enemy shell and was evacuated first to a field ambulance for first aid before being transferred to the No. 6 CCS (Casualty Clearing Station) located at Rouitz. George died from his wounds, shrapnel wounds in the thigh, and in the right arm, at No 6 Casualty Clearing Station, received in action on the 1st March, at Bethune. Age 41.

His wife received a gratuity of £100 and had returned to Scotland at 10 Muir Park, Eskbank, Dalkeith, Scotland by 1921.

De Ruvigny Roll of Honour

George William Davison is remembered at Alnwick on A11.01, A11.03, in A11.09 and A11.16

He is also remembered in the Canadian Roll of Honour page 395

Special thanks to Al Lloyd from Canada

Canadian Roll of Honour page 395 entry
21st Battalion History and Photos
Follow the 21st Battalion
The CWGC entry for Private Davison