Davidson, Richard

Richard Davidson was born on April 19, 1900 in Newcastle-on-Tyne, England. He grew up in Newcastle, but quit school at age thirteen to help support his family. As a teenager, he served with the Northumberland Fusiliers in the Great War. In 1920, Richard immigrated to Canada. Eventually he settled in Lethbridge, Alberta with his wife, Caroline Uridge-Davidson. The couple had one son, George. In 1934, Caroline passed away, and three years later, Richard married his second wife, Tryntje. They had a daughter, Dorothy. During the 1930s, Richard worked as a garage floor man at Baalim Motors. On October 18, 1941, Richard Davidson enlisted with the 39th Battery Royal Canadian Artillery at Lethbridge. He served with the battery, being posted on the west coast at Vancouver, Nanaimo and Victoria. Gunner Davidson was not sent overseas as he was considered overage for operations, and also had below average vision. By February 1945, Gunner Davidson’s health had deteriorated to the point that he was unable to meet minimum physical standards for service and he was given a medical discharge. By the fall of 1945, Gunner Davidson had returned to Lethbridge and was hospitalized with terminal stomach cancer. He passed away on October 4, 1945 and was laid to rest with full military honours at Mountain View Cemetery in Lethbridge. For his service in two world wars, Gunner Davidson was awarded the British War Medal, Victory Medal, War Medal and Canadian Volunteer Service Medal. His wife, Tryntje and mother, Dorothy each received a Memorial Cross in his honour