Queens South Africa Medal clasps Tugela Height, Orange Free State, Relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal, Laings Nek, South Africa 1901 (3035 PTE. W. DAVIDSON, SCOTTISH RIFLES); British War Medal (8076 PTE. W. DAVIDSON. SCOT. RIF.); Victory Medal (8076 PTE. W. DAVIDSON. SCOT. RIF.)
William Davidson was born in Dalry, Ayrshire, Scotland on 21 April 1871. He attested for service with the Scottish Rifles at Hamilton on 26 June 1889 and after service in India, was posted to South Africa on 23 October 1899 - two weeks after the Anglo Boer War had commenced. Davidson saw action in the Natal theatre of the conflict and was involved in the epic battles and skirmishes on the Tugela Heights and those leading up to the Relief of Ladysmith on 28 February 1900.
He moved with Buller's Army northwards through Natal as the juggernaught expelled the Boers from Natal, culminating in the battle of Laing's Nek. He also saw service in the Orange Free State and Transvaal.
Davidson was returned to England on 13 September 1901 and placed on the Army Reserve on 7 April 1903 on termination of his period of engegament.
With the advent of WWI he attested for service with the Scottish Rifles at Paisley on 2 September 1914. Aged 43 he was a Saddler by trade. Serving at home until 17 December 1914, it was only on that date that he was posted to France where he earned the WWI trio of medals, despite the fact that his overseas service was of short duration - from 18 December 1914 until 29 January 1915.
He continued to serve whilst in the UK - as a Provost Sergeant in a Prisoner of War Camp - and was discharged after 4 years 359 days on 26 August 1919 by which time he had attained the rank of Acting Sergeant.
His address on discharge was 42 Newark street, Greenock.
There are a few edge knocks on the QSA, none of which interfere with the integrity of the naming. Sold with research. Also entitled to a 1914-15 Star which is not included.
