Roby Davidson
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Roby was born in 1891 (A/M/J Nottingham). In 1911 he was living with his mother, Sarah Davidson (57), at 8 Howard Street, Glasshouse Street, Nottingham. Sarah, a dressmaker on her own account working from home, was married but head of household. She had been married for 38 years and had had nine children of whom only seven were still living. Also in the household on the night of the census was Roby's sister, Christina Mercy (17, b. 1893 O/N/D Nottingham), and three boarders. Roby married Annie Sophie Barber on 31st July 1915 in Lenton and they had two daughters, Dorothy b 21st March 1916 and Marjorie b 1918 (died 17th March 1919). The family lived at 27 Marcus Street, Nottingham; Annie's post-war address was 9 Friar Street, Old Lenton.
Roby Davidson enlisted at Nottingham on 9th December 1915. He gave his age as 24 yrs and 8 months and his address as 27 Marcus Street, Nottingham. His occupation was that of an upholsterer. He was posted on 10 December to the reserves and mobilised on 7th April 1916 joining at Derby. He was now 24 yrs and 347 days old. On 16th July 1916 he landed in France, joining his battalion in the field on 17th September 1916. He died of wounds on 27th April 1918 and is buried in St Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen (grave reference P XI D 6A\).
His widow received a letter dated 26th October 1918 informing her that she would be receiving a pension of 20 shilling and 5 pence a week with effect from 4th November 1918 in respect of herself and her one child [Dorothy]. Nottingham Evening Post, 'In Memoriam', 28th April 1919: “DAVIDSON. – In loving remembrance of my dear husband, Pte. Roby Davidson, 15th Sherwood Foresters, died of wounds April 27th, 1918. Interred St. Sever Cemetery, Rouen. Also Marjorie, his darling child, died March 17th, 1919. They shall be Mine, saith the Lord, in that day when I make up my jewels. – Sorrowing wife & ... child." “DAVIDSON. – In loving memory of Pte. Roby, died of wounds April 27th, 1918. Ever in our thoughts. – Dearly loved by mother, Ada, Cissie." “DAVIDSON. – In loving memory of Pte. Roby Davidson, son-in-law of Mr. and Mrs. Barber, died April 27th, 1918. Sadly missed. – From his family." “DAVIDSON. – In fond memory of Pte. Roby Davidson, died of wounds April 27th, 1918. Always remembered. – Chum Ernest." “DAVIDSON. – In loving memory of Pte. Roby Davidson, died of wounds April 27th, 1918. To-day recalls sad memories. – George, Gert, and Dollie.” Above items courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918.
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