The following was researched and written by Grade 10 students at Smiths Falls District Collegiate Institute. This article appeared in The Record News, 8 October 2003, p.12.
Personal information: Harwood Davidson was born in Smiths Falls on January 9th, 1895. He received his public education in Smiths Falls and attended high school in 1908 and 1909. In 1910 he took a course at Brockville Business College and the worked with his father in the sash and door factory working as a carpenter.
Davidson enlisted and was examined for fitness in Ottawa, Ontario on April 12th, 1915. He was 20 years, 3 months when he signed up. He became a soldier of the 38th Battalion of the Canadian Infantry, 1st Division of the Canadian Expeditionary Force.
Military Movements: He enlisted in the 38th Battalion on April 12th, 1915. Later he was transferred to the 12th Res. Battalion for the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry on May 19th, 1916. Harwood Davidson sailed from Montreal to war aboard the S.S. Miskanabie on June 24, 1915 and spent two months at Shornecliffe England training for combat. The last battalion he was part of before he died was the 2nd Battalion which he transferred to on August 1st, 1916.
Medical Records: Harwood Davidson was admitted to the hospital several times. He was first admitted to the hospital on November 19th, 1915 due to influenza. He was released back into the war, but had to return to No. 2 Canada Stationary Hospital exactly three months later, February 19th, 1916. This time he suffered from a shrapnel wound to the shoulder while fighting at Ypres. The operation to remove the shrapnel from the back of his right shoulder involved an incision and drainage. Unfortunately the doctor could not find the shrapnel and he was sent back to the war. After another year and one month of service, Harwood Davidson died of wounds on September 10th, 1916 at S.S. Hospital #2 at Bailleul which corresponds to the Battle of the Sommes. He was 22 years of age. (Archives)
The Final Days: Harwood Davidson's "final days" were spend serving in the Battle of the Somme, which began on July 1st, 1916. This battle was the first to use tanks and the British had 65,000 casualties the first day. He passed away from wounds on September 10th, 1916. He is buried at Warloy-Baillon Communal Cemetery Extension in Warloy-Baillon. His grave reference is VI.A.8.
Lest We Forget: Harwood Davidson was 21 years old when he died. He served his time; one year and one month. Harwood Davidson was given the Memorial Cross and his medallion was sent to his mother, Mary Davidson.
Biography courtesy of the Lest We Forget remembrance initiative of the Smith Falls District Collegiate.