Photograph by S Huxford 2011
Robert was son of James and Kate Davidson and was born in Wokingham in about 1896 and had an elder sister called Florence. In 1901 they lived in Waterloo Road, Wokingham and James was a domestic gardener.
In 1911, the family lived at 2 Pilgrim Cottages, Waterloo Road and young Robert was working . He was employed by an elderly Vicar called Drawbridge, his wife and grown up children at their house in Camberley. Robert worked there as a house and garden boy. He was 14.
Robert joined the army, the rifle brigade and became a corporal in C company, 1st Battalion. He died on 17th February 1917 and is buried at Fins British Cemetery.
The following appeared in the Reading Mecury on 3rd March 1917
“the death is announced of Corporal R C Davidson who was killed by a sheel whilst serving at the front.The only son of Mr and Mrs T Davidson of Waterloo road, Wokingham he enlisted shortly after the war began. A letter received by his parents from his Officer commanding ” I have much regret intelling you that your son Corporal Davidson was killed last night absolutely insatbtly by a shell. He has been buried and a cross put up. He was a splendid fellow in every way and I had the greatest confindence in him.After he had had a little more experience as an NCO he would have been promoted sergeant. He was very keen and did his work well.He is a greta loss to all his company and on behalf of all ranks I offer you my deepest sympathy in your loss” “