Person

James Davison was born around 1882 in Jarrow. He married Maud Cullum when he was just eighteen. They welcomed their first child, Linda, in February 1901. James enlisted in the army a month after Britain declared war on Germany on 15 September 1914. On enlistment he became Private 19509 of the 15th Battalion of the Durham Light Infantry. He remained in England for a year after his enlistment, being docked 8 days’ pay for an unspecified reason in May 1915.

James arrived in France on 11 September 1915 almost exactly a year after his enlistment. A few months after arriving in France, James would have been told that his youngest child, 23-month-old Maud, had died after contracting pneumonia. While in France he served on the front line and was involved in the early days of the Battle of the Somme. It was during the offensive that James was injured. Taken to Casualty Clearing Station No. 34, it was noted that James had received gunshot wounds to the face and right arm. The admission and discharge book conveys to some extent the sheer number of casualties treated at the beginning of the offensive with each admission date being noted as being at some point between the 1 and 5 of July. It is clear that there were so many incoming casualties that detailed record keeping became difficult. Once stable enough to be moved James was transferred by ambulance train to No. 25 Stationary Hospital in Rouen.

His wife was told of his condition by telegram and was informed that she could visit him at Rouen with James’ injuries being described as ‘dangerous’. However, Maud was without the funds to pay for travel to France and had to seek financial assistance. She did this through the National Relief Fund which provided her with enough money to fund her journey to Rouen. Maud sent a telegram on 5 July 1916 stating that she would be “leaving Jarrow for Rouen tomorrow 11:42 morning”.

James died on 8 July 1916 at 12:15am in Rouen. It is unknown if his wife managed to make it to his bedside before he died. Following his death Maud and his seven surviving children were awarded a weekly pension of 28/6.

Private Davison is buried at St Sever Cemetery in Rouen. The inscription on his gravestone reads:

“Greater love hath no man than he lay down his life for his friend”

Civil Parish: Jarrow

Birth date: 1882

Death date: 8-July-1916

Armed force/civilian: Army

Residence: St Paul, Jarrow (birthplace)
4 Duke Street, Jarrow (enlistment papers)

Employment: General Labourer (enlistment papers)

Family: Father: James Davison
Spouse: Maud Davison, nee Cullum
Children: Linda Davison, Esther Davison, Mary Annie Davison, Unity Davison, Richard Davison, Robert Davison, Maud Davison

Military service:

Private 19509
15th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry

Medal(s): 1914-15 Star
British War Medal
Victory Medal

Gender: Male

Contributed by Gemma, Durham University Intern