DAVIDSON, GEORGE HARRY, Captain, was
born 16 September 1866, at Inveresk House, Inveresk, Midlothian, son of
Archibald Davidson, grandson of Reverend Dr Davidson, of Muirhouse and Hatton,
Midlothian, late Sheriff of the Lothians and Peebles. He was educated at
Wellington College. He was commissioned in the Royal Scots 4 May 1887,
becoming Lieutenant 12 October 1889, and serving in Zululand with the Mounted
Infantry. From 21 August 1894 to 19 February 1898, he was Adjutant, Royal
Scots, and from 21 February 1898 to 20 February 1903, Adjutant, Militia and he
was promoted to Captain 14 March, 1899. Captain Davidson served in South
Africa, 1900-2, as Adjutant, 3rd Battalion Royal Scots, from 28 March, 1900.
He was present in operations in the Orange Free State, February to May 1900;
operations in the Transvaal, west of Pretoria, July to 29 November 1900,
including the action at Venterskroon (9 August); operations in Orange River
Colony May to 29 November 1900; operations in Cape Colony, south of Orange
River, 1900; operations in Orange River Colony from 31 November 1900. He was
mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 10 September 1901], received the
Queen's Medal with three clasps, the King's Medal with two clasps, and was
created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27
September 1901]: "George Harry Davidson, Captain, Royal Scots. In recognition
of services during the operations in Cape Colony". The Insignia, Warrant,
etc, were sent to the OC, Scottish District, Edinburgh, 16 June, 1902, and
presented by Colonel A Broadwood 19 June, 1902. He was promoted to Major 14
August 1904, and retired from the Royal Scots 8 October 1910, entering the
Reserve of Officers. Major Davidson married 12 August 1891, at Claremont,
Cape Colony, Ethel Maud Fairbairn, daughter of James Fairbairn, of Ledgerwood,
Claremont, and they had one son, Archibald Randall, and two daughters, Nancy
Valentine Enid and Sheila Mary.
