Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Awarded on:

February 22nd, 1945

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Lieutenant-Colonel

Unit:

No. 1 Special Force, J Section, Special Operations Executive (SOE), British Government

Awarded on:

October 4th, 1945

"Major (now A/Lt-Col) DAVIDSON dropped by parachute behind the enemy lines in the APPENINE mountains of Italy of 18th January, 1945, as second-in-command to the Allied mission responsible for liaison with the ITALIAN partisans of LIGURIA and EMILLIA.

The partisans, who were at the time demoralised by the slow Allied advance and by severe winter conditions, put up little resistance to the constant enemy attacks and in consequence the mission was continually "on the run" for the first six weeks, being forced to move daily from place to place.
Major DAVIDSON, by his untiring energy and enthusiasm did much to inspire the partisans to defend themselves nad his presence at their first large action at CARTASEGNA on 23 January 1945 helped greatly to ensure its success. During this period the mission was twice surprised and forced to withdraw under fire. Major DAVIDSON's coolness and efficiency did much to ensure the safety of the mission.

Later, when the partisans' morale had recovered, Major DAVIDSON was instructed to concentrate on intelligence and on anti-scorch plans for the city and port of GENOA. He carried out both these tasks with great efficiency. A vast quantity of really valuable intelligence was gathered from prisoners interrogated by him and from agents organised by him. He made contact with the CLN of GENOA and at numerous clandestine meetings held in the outer suburbs or GENOA, anti-scorsch plans were made as a result of which almost all vital installations in GENOA were saved from destruction.

On 25 April 1945, whilst the partisans were still fighting the enemy forfress troops, Major DAVIDSON moved into the city under fire and remained at the side of the partisan military Command who finally accepted the surrender of the entire enemy garrison of 7,000 troops. Allied forces arrived on 27 April 1945 and from then on he acted as advisor to Command 92 Division on partisan matters, helping greatly to ensure public order in the city.

Throughout this period Major DAVIDSON's energy, tact, and coolness in all situations was a magnificent example to the mission and to the ITALIAN partisans with whom he served and by whom he is held in the greatest respect. Later, as a Lt-Col, DAVIDSON was given the freedom of the city of GENOA. He is strongly recommended for the award of the Immediate Military Cross."

- 22 June 1945

[signature]
Lt-Col,
Comd No. 1 Special Force, HQ SO(M). CMF

[signature]
Col.
Comd SO(M) CMF

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Lieutenant-Colonel

Unit:

No. 1 Special Force, J Section, Special Operations Executive (SOE), British Government

Awarded on:

November 14th, 1947

"For meritorious achievement in connection with military operations in Italy from 18 January to 2 May 1945. As second in command of an Allied Liaison Mission with Italian Partisans of the Ligurian Province, Lieutenant Colonel Davidson demonstrated great initiative and devotion to duty in operating far behind enemy lines. Parachuted in the vicinity of Genoa in four feet of snow, he immediately assisted in organizing and supervising Partisan activities to coordiante with Allied offensives in the Massa-La-Spezia Area. Despite repeated and determined enemy efforts to capture him, he maintained Liaison with Allied troops, gathered and transmitted intelligence information and held clandestines meetings with civil authorities. He raised Partisan morale to the extent that it became an effective fighting force in its actions against the foe during the successful April operations. Lieutenant Colonel Davidson's untiring efforts and resourcefulness in a position of vital importance to the Allied cause in Italy reflects high merit on the service he represents. Entered service from London, England.