Private John Davidson
John Davidson was born on 18 May 1900 at 17 Hogarth Street, Belfast, the second of seven children of engine fitter John Davidson and his wife Annie (née Connor). By the time of the 1911 Census he was living in Spamount Street, Belfast, with his parents and siblings.
Davidson enlisted in the Royal Irish Fusiliers at Newry on 10 February 1916 (No.23937). He gave his address as 41 Spamount Street, his occupation as fitter, and his age as 19 years 7 days, though he was only fifteen at the time. Posted to the 4th Battalion, on 8 July in Dublin he was awarded 7 days' confined to barracks for being absent from all parades the previous day.
Later that year Davidson's true age was discovered and on 10 August 1916 he was discharged 'having made a mis-statement as to age on enlistment' (paragraph 392(vi), King's Regulations). His military character was recorded as 'good'.
Just nine days later at Belfast, Davidson enlisted in the North Irish Horse (No.2240). He gave his occupation as machinist, his age as 19 years (he was only 16), and did not mention his previous service with the Royal Irish Fusiliers. Joining at the same time was William Davidson (No.2239), who may have been John's older brother.
On 21 August 1916 John reported for duty at Antrim, where he was posted to G Squadron. Soon after, however, he deserted, remaining absent for three weeks. On 2 October the commanding officer of the regiment Lieutenant-Colonel Maude wrote to the Commander of the Northern District:
[Davidson] absented himself without leave from watchsetting on the 8.9.16 and remained absent until Midnight the 29.9.16, when he returned to Camp dressed in plain clothes, and is also charged with loss of kit. ... On being paraded previous to his being disposed of by me, he produced the attached discharge certificates, showing that he had previously been discharged from the 4th Royal Irish Fusiliers on the 10th August 1916. As this man is at present under 17 years of age, and in view of Para 522, sub. para. (V) King's Regulations, I should be glad if you would instruct me as to his disposal.
Maude was instructed that:
This man should be handed over to the Civil Power for false statement on enlistment ... and should be discharged from the service.
On 5 October 1916 Davidson was discharged 'having made a mis-statement as to age on enlistment' (paragraph 392(vi), King's Regulations) and having 'improperly ... re-entered the army' (paragraph 522(v), King's Regulations).
His military character was recorded as 'fair'.
It is not known whether Davidson re-enlisted later in the war.