大象传媒

I would like to pay tribute to a very brave soldier/my mothers brother Albert Davidson who was killed when I was very young.This is his story.Lance-Sergeant Davidson 4, Back Row ,Gasstown, Dumfrieswas awarded the Military Medal for gallantry during the heavy fighting over the Junction Canal nr Gheel,while in command of a section of "B"Company of the Royal Scots Fusiliers. The citation states;"Lance-Sergeant Davidson s sectionwas given the task of defending the lock gates frompositions in the top floor of a building.The building wascontinuously under enemy fire from small arms and 20mm guns and was ultimately set on fire. Under cover of the smoke from the burning building the enemy started to infiltrate into the position.Lance-Sergeant Davidson,with complete disregard for the enemys and grenades which were being thrown in at the windows and for the burning timbers from the roof of the house falling about him, personally organised his section to deal with the situation.Entirely due to his efforts,the enemy was prevented from getting upstairs. The fire was,however,rapidly trapping his section.Lance-Sergeant Davidson decided they could not hold that position any longer and he would have to evacuate to another position.He mustered his men,ordered them to follow him then led the way by jumping from the top storey of the building.He waited until all his section were out then led them to a defensive position.Here he took up a standwhich his section held despite severe enemy incursions. "Later his platoon was given the task of clearing some buildings along the bank of the canal.As they were about to launch an attack they met with a barrage of heavy gunfire again from 20mm guns and machine guns coming from an exposed flank.Lance-Sergeant Davidson s section were cut offfrom their platoon.He immediately took the situation in hand and led his section into cover.On checking up on his men on arrival was aware that two men were missing.Lance-Sergeant Davidson went back under extremely heavy fire in an effort to locate them and escort them to safety.However he was unable to trace them after a lengthy search.He was subsequently killed.His citation went on to say that due to his courage his men were inspired . Throughout he displayed magnificent bravery,superb leadership,showing complete disregard for his own safety." He was only a lad 21 years old when killed and I am very proud when I look at his medal and try to imagine his ordeal.My Mother and Gran were presented with his medal by H.R.H.Queen Elizabeth.

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