The Kenneth Petrie Collection

A good Great War ‘Western Front’ stretcher-bearer’s D.C.M. awarded to Lance Corporal J. Davidson, 1st/5th and 4/5th Battalions, Royal Highlanders, who was wounded in May 1915, Mentioned in Despatches, and killed in action during the attack on the Schwaben Redoubt, 14 October 1916

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (2025 Pte J. Davidson. 1/5 R. Hdrs - T.F.) edge bruise, very fine £500-£700

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Kenneth Petrie Collection.

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D.C.M. London Gazette 11 March 1916:
‘For conspicuous gallantry in tending the wounded. He showed the greatest courage in dressing wounds under heavy fire.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 22 June 1915.

James Davidson served during the Great War with the 1/5th (Angus and Dundee) Battalion, Royal Highlanders in the French theatre of war from 1 November 1914. The following detail (including a picture of recipient) is given in The Roll of Honour for Abroath and District 1914-19:
‘Davidson... was a son of Charles Davidson and of his wife Ann Middleton, 43 Hannah Street, Arbroath. He was twenty-three years of age, and was a miner at Methil. He enlisted in August 1914, and was one of the first draft to leave for the front. Lance-Corporal Davidson was a stretcher-bearer, and was twice mentioned in despatches, and was also awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for conspicuous deeds of gallantry in carrying the wounded off the field. One one occasion he had a very narrow escape. While dressing a wounded companion something struck his back. On opening his haversack he found two bullets, and his tin of bully beef had been badly dented. He was wounded in May 1915, and invalided home. On his recovery he returned to France, and fell in action on the 14th October 1916. His mother was personally presented with his D.C.M. at Holyrood Palace by his Grace the Duke of Montrose in May 1916. She had three other sons in service.’

Lance Corporal Davidson was killed in action serving with the 4/5th Battalion on the Western Front, 14 October 1916. On the latter date the Battalion was serving as part of 118th Brigade, 39th Division on the Somme:

‘To Authille Bluffs (12/10). Attack on north face of Schwaben Redoubt (14/10) - ‘B’, ‘C’ and ‘D’ Companies advanced at 2.46pm with ‘A’ in close support - heavy casualties from British barrage among leading waves - objectives taken and held. Regimental history by Major-General A. G. Wauchope notes just 30 men of assaulting companies relieved shortly after 10.50pm. Enemy counter attacks driven off (15/10). Relieved and to Martinsart Wood (16/10). Casualties - 290.’ (British Battalions on the Somme, by R. Westlake refers).

Lance Corporal Davidson is buried in the Connaught Cemetery, Thiepval, Somme, France.