In 1901, the Davidson family were living at Beech Villa, Brompton Terrace, Kinnoull, Perth: Father, William Smyttan Davidson (Solicitor), b. 1867, Kinfauns, Perthshire; Mother, Catherine Alice, b. 1870, Pencaitland, Haddingtonshire; Son, George William Smyttan, b. 1897, Perth; Daughter Mary Gannell Stewart, b. 1900, Perth. Also living at this address were: Hannah McClure (Domestic Servant), b. c1883, Sorn, Ayrshire; and Isabella Keith Taylor (General Servant, Domestic), b. c1876, Fettercairn, Kincardineshire.

George Davidson arrived in France on the 8th September 1916 and was killed on the 25th September.

While there is no definitive record of how and when he lost his life, it is likely that he was a casualty of either the Battle of Flers-Courcelette or the Battle of Morval. Both of these battles took place as part of Battle of the Somme. Flatiron Copse was a small plantation to the east of Mametz Wood. The ground was taken in July 1916 and an Advanced Dressing Station was established at the copse. This is probably where George Davidson died. He was 19 years old.

London Gazette, 13th August 1915

“THE SPECIAL RESERVE OF OFFICERS"

“The undermentioned Cadets and ex-Cadets of the Officer Training Corps to be Second Lieutenants (on probation) Dated 14th August 1915.”

“Lieutenant W. S. Davidson"

Perthshire Advertiser, 4th October 1916

“PERTH MEN PAY THE PENALTY - "A SAD LIST - LATEST LOCAL CASUALTIES"

“Second Lieutenant George W. S. Davidson, Cameron Highlanders, who was recently killed, was only 19 years of age. He was the only son of the late Mr W. S. Davidson, solicitor, Perth.”