William T Davison
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- Military History
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William Thompson Davison was the eldest child of William and Mary Ann Davison ( nee Robinson) He was born in Worksop in 1885. By 1891 he has a brother and sister, Ernest and Lily where they all resided at 21 Sandy Lane, Worksop. In the following years, 2 more children were born, Ton and Elsie. By 1901 the family had made a move and now were living at number 1 Creswell Street, and as their father, William senior, had a painting contract, the eldest 2 sons, William and Ernest, were now working in the family business. 1911 saw the family home now at 71 Clarence Road but also the unfortunate death of Tom Davison at age 19. A year later, in 1912, William Junior, married Annie E Woodhead in Worksop, and in 1913 George W Davison was born to them followed 1 year later, with Alfred. After the death of William in 1915, his wife, Annie re-married to Percy Whitehead in 1917 at Worksop.
Pte William T Davison Worksop Guardian 8 October 1915 The price of honour, of freedom, of liberty is very great.. Still, news comes of Worksop casualties. This week it is our duty – a duty that is a pride and a pleasure, mingled with pain and pity – to record the reported death in action of yet another of Worksop’s gallant sons. True, the news is unofficial, but nevertheless undoubtedly confirmed by three Worksop soldiers and we fear it is all to true, mores the pity. The victim of Prussian Militarism is Pte. William T Davison, 20635, B Co, 8th platoon, Sherwood Foresters, son of Mr W Davison, painter of 71 Clarence Road, Worksop and of Mrs Davison. He formerly worked for his father (of the firm of Messrs. W Davison and Sons) who for no less than 35 years have been the painting contractors for the Shireoaks Colliery, and have during that time, faithfully discharged their duties. The distressing news ha been conveyed by three local soldiers at present in the trenches viz. Pte Jack Ben, The Baulk; Pte Edward Watkin of Sandhill Street and Pte W (“Bill”) Mathews of Colbeck Street, all of the same Regiment. It appears that poor Davison was shot by a bullet in the forehead whilst taking part in a victorious charge, on September 25th and died a few hours later. Pte Watkin wrote, “I have some very bad news for all of you. Poor Davison has been killed … We all cared for him out here, and you have no idea how he will be missed … This is no rumour …God knows it is only too true. He was buried in the cemetery belonging to this division..” Pte Davison was a reservist and immediately on the outbreak of hostilities re-joined his Regiment. He reached France about seven months ago and has taken part in several engagements. He fought as only British soldiers can fight, heroically, gallantly. The news is all the more distressing inasmuch as Pte Davison, who was only 30 years of age, leaves a widow and three young children. To them and his other relatives, the heartfelt sympathy of a wide circle of friends, will be extended in their hour of bitter trial. There are however, consolations. He died as Rudyard Kipling would say “For my England, my England”, nobly upholding the traditions of the British Empire. That he was well known and respected has been abundantly proved by the large number of messages of sympathy received.
CWG additional information:- Son of William and Mary Ann Davison, of 81, Gateford Rd., Worksop; husband of Annie E. Whiting (formerly Davison), of 101, Netherton Rd., Worksop, Notts. Commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium. Research by Colin Dannatt
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