Trafford

Born during the September quarter 1915 in the Barton upon Irwell R.D. -
ref: 8c/1093, the only son of Sidney John & Eliza Jessie Davidson (nee
Jones).

Attended Stretford Grammar School and was a member of the Sale Harriers,
where he was known as "Davy".

Joined the Metro-Vickers Company as a probationary trade apprentice in
December 1931.   Became a trade apprentice in July 1932 and a special
trainee in 1936.   He was awarded a special shield being the “Best All
Round Apprentice”.  On completion of his apprenticeship, he joined the
Company's Process and Rate Dept.

1939 National Registration.    Sidney J. Davidson - Married - born: 7th
March 1885 - occ: Post Office Engineering Inspector.   Eliza J. Davidson -
Married - born: 14th June 1887 - occ: Unpaid Domestic Duties.   Henry J.
Davidson - Single - born: 11th July 1915 - occ: Rate Fixer Electrical
Engineering Works.    Margaret Davidson (later Hawarth) Single - born: 6th
November 1921 - occ: Typist.

He joined the R.A.F.V.R. and held the rank of Sergeant Pilot.  He was
Mobilised in September 1939 and later commissioned as a pilot officer.

Married Muriel Dawson during the September quarter 1940 in the Barton upon
Irwell R.D. - ref: 8c/2130.  They has a son – Clive Davidson, born during
the December quarter in the St. Asaph R.D. – ref: 11b/607.

During the Battle of Britain as a Sergeant Fighter Pilot, he flew with 249
Squadron, flying both Supermarine Spitfire Mk.1 (May – June 1940) and
Hawker Hurricane Mk.1 (June 1940 – February 1941) aircraft..  On the 7th
August 1940, he destroyed a Dornier 17 and on the 2nd September 1940, a Bf
110.  On the 27th September 1940, he destroyed a Ju88 and shared in a
Bf110.  He was himself shot down and received injuries to his face.   

Commissioned as a Pilot Officer on the 5th March 1941 and to the rank of
Flying Officer on the 5th March 1942.   He was one of the first pilots to
be chosen for the Merchant Service Flying Unit, joining them at Speke on
the 9th May 1941 flying the new Catafighters – C.A.M. (Catapulted
Aircraft Merchant) Ships.  These comprised one only Hurricane fighter
aircraft that was catapulted from merchant ships to give convoys cover in
mid-Atlantic where land based aircraft were unable to get to.  One big
problem with them was that they could launch but could not land back onto
the launch ship.  They had to ditch the aircraft and be picked up from the
sea, always assuming the Convoy was willing and able to stop for them!!!  
He made the very first experimental launch in a Catafighter from the S.S.
Empire Rainbow on the 31st May 1941. After launching, his aircraft dropped
below the ship’s bow and the port wing touched the sea, but Harry was
fortunately able to regain control and landed at Abbotsinch (Glasgow). 
With modifications to equipment and changes in pilot technique, he sailed
for Nova Scotia, Canada on the S.S. Empire Rainbow on the 8th June 1941,
but saw no action in that voyage.

Harry was killed in an aircraft accident 06/10/42.   In a letter to his
father at 8 Melville Road, Stretford, dated 27th January 1943 his Squadron
Leader - J.W. Younghusband, commanding 285 Squadron, R.A.F. Honiley stated
that from eye-witness accounts it would appear that the aircraft was trying
too force land with engine trouble.   It was approaching a small aerodrome
and whilst doing a turn it fell out of control.

285 Sqn was formed at RAF Wrexham on the 1st December 1941 within No.9
Group Anti-Aircraft Co-operation Flight it was stationed there between
December 1941 and October 1942, when it was transferred to RAF Honiley
situated at Wroxall, Warwickshire.  The Squadron flew Boulton Paul Defiant
Mk.1 & Mk.II aircraft, which were used for target-towing duties.

He had been home on leave a week before he was killed.

Death reported in the 16/10/1942 edition of the Sale & Stretford Guardian
that includes a portrait photograph of him.

CWGC - Son of Sidney John & Eliza Jessie Davidson; husband of Muriel
Davidson, of Stretford.