DAVIDSON, PTE Stephen

Stephen Davidson (1898-?), warehouseman and soldier, was born in Albany, Western Australia, son of John and Mary Davidson. He was the youngest of 4 siblings. Stephen studied at West Leederville State School and after completing his studies he became a warehouseman. With the outbreak of the First World War, his two eldest brothers signed up for service and deployed overseas in 1915.

Stephen was still living with his parents when he enlisted into the Australian Imperial Force on the 28th of January 1916 at the age of just 18. He was posted to A Company, 44th Battalion. He embarked for overseas service in June 1916 and arrived at the front lines in November 1916. Stephen was severely wounded in the right leg by gunshot during the Battle of Messines. He was evacuated to hospital where he remained for the next 6 months. His wound got infected with cellulitis. His two brothers were also wounded, and one was medically discharged to Australia.

After recovering from his wounds, Stephen worked in medical units throughout 1918 and eventually transferred to the Australian Army Medical Corps at the very end of the war. He returned to Australia in July 1919 and that is where our knowledge of his story ends.

During the war, Stephen fought in 2 battles and spent 210 days in the trenches. He was awarded the British War Medal, Victory Medal, Wound Stripe, Active Service Badge, 1 Good Conduct Stripe and 3 Long Service Stripes.

*Forfeited 5 days of pay due to failing to appear for parade in March 1917.

*Charged with prejudice of good order in June 1919 and awarded 4 days punishment.

Sources

The West Australian, 13th of July 1917, Page 1

The Daily News, 5th of March 1928, Page 2

Virtual War Memorial

Regimental Number:
120

Subunit:
Original A Company, 44th Battalion

Enlistment Date:
28th January 1916

Age at Enlistment:
18 Years

Birthplace:
Albany, Great Southern Region, WA

Ethnicity:
British Australian

Religion:
Church of England

Residence:
West Leederville, Metropolitan Region, WA (14 Kerr Street)

Height and Measurements:
5"7

Occupation at Enlistment:
Warehouseman

Married:
No

Next of Kin:
Father - John Davidson (West Leederville)

Previous Service:
No

Total Service:
28th January 1916 - 27th September 1919

Overseas Service:
6th June 1916 - 2nd July 1919

Front Line Service:
25th November 1916 - 23rd June 1917

Battle Honours:
Messines 1917, France and Flanders 1916-1918

Casualty:

Yes – Wounded in Action and Sick. Wounded in Action – (23rd June 1917, severe gunshot wound to the right thigh during the Battle of Messines, 10 weeks in hospital). Sick (September 1917, Cellulitis infection due to his wounds, 3 months in hospital).

Awards:
British War Medal, Victory Medal, Wound Stripe, Active Service Badge, 1 Good Conduct Stripe, 3 Long Service Stripes