Choloy, France

Details:

2 May 1957 - F/O HA Davidson

Comments:

F/O HA Davidson was a pilot with 441 Squadron at 1 (F) Wing, Marville France. He was killed when his aircraft (Sabre #23530) flamed out at 21,000 feet and the pilot was attempting a deadstick landing at the base. The pilot ejected at 400 feet.

Extracts from 1 Wing Narrative Report

2 May 1957

It was a deep shock to all the members of 1 (F) Wing when 206587 F/O Harvey A Davidson met with an aircraft accident, while attempting to eject from his Sabre after a flame out. The accident occurred very close to his own 441 Squadron dispersal.

F/O Davidson was one of the last of the original Sabre pilots who joined 1 (F) Wing at North Luffenham. He was engaged to be married to F/O Connie McCaffery also of this wing on 6 Jul 57.

A full military funeral service was conducted by S/L RP Condon in the Protestant Chapel on 7 May. Attending this service with his fiancee were Mr. WE Davidson and Bill Davidson, the father and brother of the late officer, who had flown over from Canada for the funeral. The funeral party consisted of the CO, the OC, pilots and members of 441 Sqn and numerous station personnel. The Station Pipe Band and the Wing Guard of Honour were also in attendance. After the completion of the station ceremony the funeral party proceeded to Choloy, where F/O Harvey Davidson was laid to rest at the Canadian Military Cemetery, Toul, France.

Extracts from the 441 Squadron Narrative Report

On the second day of the month the whole squadron was very sad when one of our oldest squadron pilots, Harve Davidson, was killed after an unsuccessful bailout. A great many of the squadron members were on hand to see the incident take place and I'm sure it, as well as Harve, will be remembered by all for quite some time to come.

Grave marker photos courtesy of Malcolm Cromarty - February 2001