With No.1 Wing, 26 March to 31 May 1938 (pupil on course for Pilotless Aircraft Test Pilot (Queen Bee). With No.2 AACU, Lee-on-Solent (floatplane course on Swordfish). With No.1 Wing, Henlow, 24 June to 14 July 1938 (continuation of Pilotless Aircraft Test Pilot Course). With No.3 AACU, Malta, 23 July to 22 September 1938 (providing air targets for Mediterranean Fleet). With No.202 Squadron, Egypt, 23 September to 6 October 1938 (Intelligence Officer; fleet had moved to Egypt owing to "Munich flap"). With No.3 AACU, Egypt, 7 October to 4 November 1938 (proving targets for Mediterranean Fleet). With No.3 AACU, Malta, 5 November 1938 to 15 March 1939 (continued fleet target duties). With No.4 Flying Training School, Egypt, 16 March to 1 September 1939 (pilot for navigation pupils on Ansons). With No.267 Squadron, Egypt, 1 September 1939 to 6 October 1940 (transport duties, varies types, often flying VIPs; from this he qualified for the General Service Medal with clasp for “Palestine”). Promoted to Flying Officer, 24 February 1940. With Blenheim OTU, Egypt, 7-22 October 1940. With No.30 Squadron, Egypt, 23 October to 2 November 1940 (Blenheims). With No.30 Squadron, Greece, 2 November 1940 to 4 April 1941 (Blenheims). Promoted to Flight Lieutenant, 24 February 1941. With No.30 Squadron, Crete, 5 April to 19 May 1941 (Blenheims and Hurricanes, covering evacuation). With No.30 Squadron, Egypt, 20 May to 23 October 1941 (Hurricanes, engaged in "visual night fighting"). With No.2 Photo Reconnaissance Unit, Egypt, 24 October to 23 November 1941 (photographing Tobruk; aircraft type not clear). With No.30 Squadron, Egypt, 24 November 1941 to 25 February 1942 (Hurricanes). With No.30 Squadron, Ceylon, 26 February to 23 May 1942 (Hurricanes). Graded as Temporary Squadron Leader, 1 March 1942. With No.261 Squadron, Ceylon, 24 May to 22 August 1942. With Ferry Command, Dorval, 26 December 1942 to 24 March 1943 (delivering Bostons overseas; confirmed that he ferried Boston BZ256 to United Kingdom, February/March 1943 as per RAF Ferry Command crew cards, Directorate of History and Heritage, Document 84/44-3). With No.59 OTU, Milfield, 4 April to 15 May 1943 (training on Typhoons). With No.182 Squadron, 16 May to 11 July 1943 (Typhoons, Commanding Officer). With No.175 Squadron, 11 July to 11 September 1943 (Typhoons, Commanding Officer). Promoted to Wing Commander, 11 September 1943. With No.16 Wing, 11 September 1943 to 19 January 1944 (Wing Commander, leading Nos.175, 245 and 247 Squadrons). Davidson married Joy Arnold (a divorcee) on 18 December 1943. She brought a daughter (Valerie Jill Ann Arnold, born in London, 7 November 1937) and together they had Russell Howard (born Chichester, 8 November 1944) and Guy Robert (born Ottawa, 10 November 1945). With No.143 Wing, 20 January to 8 May 1944 (leading Nos.438, 429 and 440 Squadrons). Forced landed after engine failure on 8 May 1944 and joined French Underground as a Private, serving until 5 September 1944 (Group "Voix du Nord", sabotage and disorganization of Germans in Pas de Calais area). With No.83 GSU, 6 September to 12 December 1944. Transferred to RCAF, 12 December 1944, reverting to Squadron Leader. With Air Force Headquarters, Ottawa, 24 May to 16 September 1945 (on Planning Staff for "Tiger Force"). With Instrument Flying School, Trenton, 19 September to 30 November 1945. With AFHQ, Ottawa, 1 December 1945 to 20 May 1946 (Directorate of Intelligence). With Western Air Command, Vancouver, 21 May 1946 to 20 March 1947. With RCAF Staff College, 26 March to 20 September 1947 (student). With Central Air Command, Trenton, 21 September to 22 December 1947. With No.12 Group Headquarters, Vancouver, 23 December 1947 to 24 March 1949. With No.410 Squadron, St.Hubert, 26 March to 14 September 1949 but attended No.10 Course, Fighter Leaders School, Central Fighter Establishment, 4 July to 2 September 1949. With No.421 Squadron, 15 September 1949 to 25 November 1951. (Promoted toWing Commander, 1 September 1951) With No.1 Wing, 26 November 1951 to 9 September 1952. On strength of Canadian Joint Staff, Washington, 10 September to 16 December 1952 (service in Korea with 335th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, USAF, 15 September to 7 December 1952, flying 51 Sabre sorties - 65 hours 40 hours operational, one hour 15 minutes non-operational plus one non-operational T-33 sortie of one hour 40 minutes, for which he was awarded the Air Medal (ten engagements with MIGs but no claims made by him)(Shores, in "Aces High Volume 2" says he damaged 2 Migs and this is why he received the Air Medal -jf). With No.1 Wing, 17 December 1952 to 31 January 1953. With No.3 Wing, 1 February to 15 September 1953. With No.1 Air Division Headquarters, 16 September 1953 to 6 November 1956 (commanded Rabat Detachment, February 1954 onwards). With Station Trenton, 7 November 1956 to 18 March 1957. With Station Portage la Prairie, 19 March 1957 to 15 July 1960. With Air Defence Command (26 NORAD Sector, Syracuse), 16 July 1960 to 12 July 1964, initially as Chief of Operations and Training (when he became current on the F-101B) and then as Deputy Commander. (Promoted to Acting Group Captain, 1 August 1961 & confirmed in that rank, 5 March 1964) With Canadian Joint Air Training Centre, Rivers, Manitoba, 13 July 1964 to retirement. Released from RCAF, 1 April 1968. Died at the Kemptville District Hospital, Kemptville, Ontario, 23 November 1976. |
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In a letter dated 30 January 1945, Air Commodore E.E. Middleton summarized Davidson's career, concluding as follows:
During S/L Davidson's career in the RAF he has flown 55 different types of aircraft for a total of over 1,800 flying hours, 600 hours of which are operational flying time. During this officer's 287 operational sorties he has been officially credited with having shot down six enemy aircraft comprising two German, two Italian and two Japanese. He also has a total of three probables and ten enemy aircraft damaged. On a form dated 7 February 1945 he claimed to have flown four tours with 280 sorties (800 operational hours plus 700 non-operational hours). A form dated 1 December 1950 credited him with 2,019 hours 20 minutes flying time and listed his types as follows: Hart (76 hours 15 minutes), Blackburn B2 (63 hours 40 minutes), Audax (14 hours 20 minutes), Tutor (14 hours 20 minutes), Gypsy Moth (22 hours 50 minutes), Queen Bee (33 hours ), Prefect (8 hours 55 minutes), Swordfish (42 hours 5 minutes), Avro 504N (4 hours 15 minutes), Fury (20 minutes), London II (5 hours ), Anson (493 hours 35 minutes), Magister (40 hours 30 minutes), Vincent (14 hours 10 minutes), Hind (18 hours 15 minutes), Bombay (1 hours 25 minutes), Percival Q6 (8 hours 50 minutes), Gauntlet (4 hours 10 minutes), Blenheim (151 hours 50 minutes), Gladiator (30 minutes), Fulmar (15 minutes), Hurricane (292 hours 25 minutes), Proctor (1 hours 35 minutes), Maryland (30 minutes), Martlett (15 minutes), Dominie (3 hours 20 minutes), Oxford (6 hours 20 minutes), Mitchell (3 hours 15 minutes), Menasco Moth (11 hours ), Boston (38 hours ), Walrus (45 minutes), Lysander (30 minutes), Electra (4 hours 45 minutes), Beaufighter (1 hours 30 minutes), Kittyhawk (30 minutes), Seal (40 minutes), Swallow (45 minutes), Vildebeest (one hour minutes), Typhoon (172 hours 30 minutes), Master (10 hours 10 minutes), Tiger Moth (12 hours 25 minutes), Tempest (5 hours 15 minutes), Mustang (1 hours 20 minutes), Spitfire (33 hours 25 minutes), Auster (25 minutes), Harvard (122 hours minutes), Beechcraft (36 hours 35 minutes), Dakota (10 hours 25 minutes), Vampire (192 hours 20 minutes) and Meteor (37 hours 35 minutes).
Another form, with flying times to 20 July 1955, credited him with 2,532 hours 25 minutes. Most of the above types (and flying times) were unchanged, but the following additions or amendments applied:
Vampire (368 hours 45 minutes), T-33 (two hours 55 minutes), North Star (19 hours five minutes), Sabre (281 hours 55 minutes).
15 September 1947, RCAF Staff College Report by G/C C.L. Annis:
This officer’s written work has been unsatisfactory. He has not yet learned to distinguish between the pertinent and the irrelevant in dealing with a given problem, and occasionally he did not even recognize the essentials of the problem. S/L Davidson has taken very little part during formal discussions, but has been moderately active informally, and in syndicates. His outlook is loyal, adult and reasonable, though his views frequently tend to be narrow and biased. He has been well liked by his fellows, although he has never been a leading figure. He has taken a normal part in all College activities, with evident enjoyment. It is the Directing Staff's opinion, voiced with regret, that S/L Davidson is not qualified for award of the symbol “psa”. However, Directing Staff consider that this officer might fill satisfactorily certain routine staff appointments of an operational or semi-operational nature. It should also be recorded that he is very interested in operations in the far North.
6 April 1949, W/C J.D. Somerville, No.12 Group Headquarters wrote:
Training and Search/Rescue Officer - Group Intelligence Officer. S/L Davidson has been employed as Tactics Officer and later as Search and Rescue and Training Officer in 12 Group Headquarters for the past 18 months and in these capacities has done excellent work. He has at all times been keenly interested in keeping his flying up to the required standard. He is respected by his fellow officers and the men under his control. He is interested in tennis. He has done an excellent job in impressing the importance of a knowledge of current events on the staff of 12 Group Headquarters and has been instrumental in the formation and maintenance of the efficient gen room at this Headquarters.
Attending Fighter Leaders School, Central Fighter Establishment, 4 July to 2 September 1949, he flew Spitfire 14 and Meteor 4 aircraft. He was graded as “Above average as a Squadron Commander”. The marking was on the following fields:
| Leadership (Air) Leadership (Ground) Tactical ability Planning ability Briefing ability Flying ability, general Navigation ability Marksmanship, air to air (cine camera) Marksmanship, air to ground firing Bombing R/P Technical knowledge Discipline, air Discipline, ground |
Good average Above average Good average Good average Good average Good average Good average Average Average Not assessed Average Average Above average Above average |
"A sound and capable officer who has many attributes of good leadership. He was somewhat out of touch with current jet fighter technique but his ability to think clearly and his eagerness to learn enabled him to make good progress during the course. He was quick to appreciate the problems involved in modern fighter operation and with further experience he will undoubtedly make a first class Squadron Commander and potential Wing Leader."
The Wing Commander Commanding, Day Fighter Leaders School, was W/C G.A. Brown; the Commandant of the Central Fighter Establishment, who countersigned the above, was Air Commodore D.F.W. Atcherley.
1 September 1950 - W/C E.B. Hale (Commanding Officer, Station Chatham):
Commanding Officer, No.421 Squadron, OC Flying at Station and PMC - S/L Davidson has suffered somewhat due to being repeatedly passed over for promotion. His ability as a squadron commander is exceptional. It is possible that his administrative ability suffers by comparison, but he is high average in this phase. He is absolutely correct in his attitude towards his senior and juniors and is very popular both in the service and socially. It is recommended that S/L Davidson be given a Command or staff position which would more adequately utilize his experience and ability.
1 September 1952 - G/C E.B. Hale, 1 Fighter Wing Chief Operations Officer wrote:
W/C Davidson is a born leader in the air and on the ground. He is an extremely skilful pilot who can demand and get the best out of his officers. His administrative ability is growing rapidly and he is an excellent Wing Staff Officer.
On 2 September 1954, G/C M.E. Pollard, 1 Air Division Headquarters, wrote:
While not a natural staff officer, W/C Davidson is capable of producing good work. During his employment as Staff Officer Operations at this HQ he ran his Branch effectively. He is happier, and I think, more suitable in Unit employment where his excellent leadership qualities are most valuable. He is current on jet aircraft.
W/C Davidson has been employed as OC the RCAF Detachment at Rabat for the past eight months, in which job he has shown diplomacy, energy and a mature sense of responsibility, contributing in large measure to the success of our air firing training in Morocco. This officer had one of the most remarkable and distinguished careers on all CAN/RAF personnel. During the postwar years he was often assessed as "average" in staff work, but he was sometimes graded above average on that score, and he was invariably praised for his outstanding leadership, discipline and flying skills.
On 29 August 1951, for example, G/C H.J. Maguire (RAF Station Odiham) wrote:
My report on this officer must be considered in the light of the circumstances of his service with me. He has had to integrate his squadron in an RAF Wing, and at the same time satisfy RCAF training requirements. With certain qualification I think he has succeeded admirably. He is shrewd, forceful and at times dogmatic. Like John Wesley, he would rather rule in hell than serve in heaven - and a very good leader he makes. His own force of will and determination does at times lead him to doubt the wisdom of other peoples' orders or procedures, but his own frankness saves him from disloyalty. He commands rather than evokes respect and admiration from his men, but a strong sense of humour enable their mutual relations to be cordial. He has acted in an unofficial capacity as a local ambassador socially, with happy results, at some financial loss. With his temperament and experience he will make an ideal Wing Commander Flying or Wing Leader.
Another assessment, dated 14 November 1956 (completed by A/V/M H.B. Godwin), was revealing of other traits:
Wing Commander Davidson, up until recently, was Commanding Officer of our Detachment at Rabat, Morocco. This task involved working diplomatically with the French, with the United States Air Force and, at first, only to a minor extent with the Moroccans. However, as time went on, the Moroccan liberation movement became more pronounced. His task became extremely difficult and indeed touchy since there were changes of Sultans and considerable antagonism towards the French. Additionally, antagonism was felt by the Moroccans when Canada sold aircraft to the Israelis. Throughout all these difficulties he capably set up and operated air firing at Rabat, and when the time came to terminate the agreement with the French, he was able to leave a very fine feeling for the Canadians in the minds of all three nations involved. We owe a great deal of our success at Rabat to Wing Commander Davidson. I consider him to be a good organizer, a strong supporter of the RCAF and an officer on whom we can rely in difficult circumstances.
On 15 August 1963, Colonel Edward A. Herbes, 26th NORAD Sector, Syracuse, wrote:
Group Captain Davidson has been my Deputy Commander for two years, during which time he has several times assumed command in my absence, the last time being for three months. During these two years I have grown to know the Group Captain as an extremely able officer with traits of character and judgement that are rare even in a select officer corps. There is no question that this officer can assume all the responsibilities of increased rank, and is deserving of such rank. In addition, Mrs. Davidson and their two sons have exemplified the best, in every way, in the RCAF tradition of "ambassadorship". The Davidson family, in toto, is loved and respected by all the many friends and associates they have collectively and individually made during this tour of duty.
On 1 April 1965, Air Commodore Reg J. Lane drafted an assessment when Davidson was Commandant, Canadian Joint Ar Training Centre, Rivers:
Be satisfied with him in next higher rank. This assessment is based on very little knowledge of G/C Davidson and his performance of the short time since he became Commandant of Rivers. The organization and channels for command and control at CJATC leave much to be desired and this has not made the Group Captain’s task any easier. I sense that he is still feeling his way into this complex organization and treading lightly because of tri-service implications. He appears to have strong personality which will come to the fore now that the Deputy Commandant is leaving and he will have to exercise more judgement and make more decisions, without the advice of his Deputy. Notwithstanding the difficulties encountered he has made several suggestions for improvement. I look for greater results as he gains more experience with his unit. He is recommended for promotion.
On 9 August 1967, as he commenced retirement leave, A/V/M R.C. Stovel (AOC Training Command) wrote:
A deceiving officer with inbred leadership qualities. G/C Davidson, now on retirement leave, has been in command of Rivers for three years during which time he has operated this Army/Air Force base with the minimum of fuss and bother. Well respected by his staff, his contribution to running a closely knit and harmonious group was clearly spelled out in the spontaneous expression of appreciation given by his officers on the occasion of his retirement in June. While I do not expect that G/C Davidson would excel as a staff officer in a headquarters, there is no question about the fact that in the operational sphere he has left a “Davidson” legacy which will long be remembered. It was a pleasure to have G/C Davidson as a member of the Training Command team.
Volume 1 of file 45-19-15A, “Prisoners of War - Escape of - Interrogations”, National Archives of Canada, RG.24 Volume 5372 has the following statement of his activities in France including personnel he had met:
After crashing, hid in wheat field for awhile, 300 yards from aircraft. Contacted French farmer at 3 p.m. and moved to a farm house at 2 a.m. next morning. Lived for three months in a tiny hole under oat bin in stable. Carried out minor sabotage in area during nights. Joined F.F.I. as ordinary soldier and supplied them with explosives obtained from Flying Bombs that had crashed but not exploded. Moved inland by motorcycles to Douai in August; continued to work with F.F.I. until September 4th, then made my way through the lines and contacted the Welsh Guards Armoured Division at St. Pol on September 5th. Contacts:
8 May 1944 to 1 August 1944 - Raymond Bouillet, Chef de Culture, Verchin, Near Fruge, Pas de Calais - My immediate superior in the F.F.I. An excellent soldier, who on more than one occasion saved my life.
8 May 1944 to 1 August 1944 - Mme Tartare, Verchin, near Fruge, Pas de Calais - food and shelter, also tools for sabotage.
(Extensive notes by Hugh Halliday. For additional info see Halliday's "In Korean Skies", Roundel, December 1963 & January 1964. See also "Triple Front Ace", Journal of the Canadian Aviation Historical Society, Summer 1964)
His logbook and original medals have long been sought by his family (and biographers), who believe they were stolen from his home.
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CANADIAN AIRMEN SCORED SUCCESSES AGAINST JAPANESE
Ottawa, June 26, 1942 - (CP) - Air Minister Power announced today that seven Canadian airmen destroyed eight Japanese bombers and one fighter during the Easter raid on Colombo — "exactly one-third of the total number of enemy aircraft destroyed over the Ceylon port."
The seven airmen, all recently posted to Ceylon, were P/O Jimmy Whalen, of Vancouver; S/L R.T.P. Davidson, of Vancouver; Sgt. Jack Hurley, of Vankleek Hill, Ont.; Sgt. George C. Bate, of Saskatoon; Sgt. Creighton L. Nutbrown, of Sherbrooke, Que.; P/O Donald A. McDonald, of St. Thomas, Ont., and Sgt. Grant Bishop, of Mount Royal, Que.
"They avenged the death of S/L L. J. Birchall, of St. Catharines, Ont. (he was actually a Japanese POW -jf), who first spotted the enemy fleet and flashed back the dramatic message which warned the island defenders of the impending attack," the air minister said.
Pilot Officer Whalen "destroyed three Japanese bombers," the statement said.
"I climbed to 15,000 feet above the City of Colombo," he related, "and saw a formation of seven bombers at 18,000. I climbed above them, dived and shot down two. I broke away, climbed again and got another. Then I was attacked by Jap fighters, but Squadron Leader Davidson saw my trouble, attacked the Japs and shot one of them down."
Sergeant Hurley destroyed one Japanese bomber and shared another with Davidson. Taking off with Davidson they both spotted a bomber and went after him. The Japanese was soon falling in flames. "I then went into cloud," said Hurley, "and emerged over the harbor where I ran into a Jap bomber formation flying in a 'Vic.’ I tackled No. 2 of the formation, and after I put some bursts into him he blew up. I was then attacked by Jap fighters, but none of them hit me.”
Bate got two Japanese bombers.
"I came down from above on them," he said. "There were several kites in a tight 'Vic.' I gave my first a few short bursts and blew off his tail. I shot across another, spraying him with fire, and he went down with flames streaming from his cockpit."
Sergeant Nutbrown chalked up a "probable." He chased the Japanese machines for more than an hour and returned with many holes in his aircraft to tell of the battles he had waged.
McDonald caught up with seven bombers at 2,000 feet, attacked one and sent it crashing down. As he turned away a Japanese fighter pumped cannon shell into his aircraft and oil sprayed all over him, but a Royal Air Force pilot came to the rescue and shot the attacking enemy plane down.
"I passed over the harbor with all the ack-ack fire blazing away," said McDonald, "and managed to make a forced landing in an open space. I clambered out of the machine and made my way to a local hotel for a bath."
Takes On Five Fighters
Bishop ran into five Japanese fighters, but took them on. After giving one of them a few bursts he found an enemy plane on his tail, and his controls and a chunk of his propeller were shot away.
"It was toward the end of March that Japanese fleet movements in the Indian Ocean portended an attack on Ceylon within two or three days," the Air Minister's statement said. "Catalina aircraft patrols were therefore well on the lookout. It fell to the lot of Squadron Leader Birchall to sight the enemy first and to him Ceylon owes a heavy debt. A few minutes past four on the afternoon of April 4 he flashed back the dramatic message that a large Japanese force was 350 miles south of the island. Then, silence.”
"He, and Pilot Officer A.W. Abbot of Aerschal, Sask., who was in the same crew, were never heard from again.”
One Catalina Lost
"Other Catalinas were immediately sent up to shadow the enemy and of these one was lost, but the Japs were sighted about midnight 270 miles south of the island. The enemy fleet was lost in the darkness then but it was evident it was moving against Ceylon and Command ashore spent the night calculating, issuing orders and making all ready for the attack. It was estimated that the Japanese would be in position for their onslaught at 7:30 next morning.
"Catalinas were sent up with the first light of dawn, and, prowling the approaches to the island, contacted the enemy 180 miles south-east of Colombo.
"Ashore all was ready. The fighter pilots were standing by, impatient to get to grips with the Japanese. Eager as any of the defenders were the seven Canadian airmen. Soon the order was given for the fighters to take off and soon the Canadians were back, flushed with their victories and happy in the knowledge that they had avenged Birchall."
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Wing Commander Robert T. P. Davidson
Winco’s Log Book Shows He’s Piloted 55 Species of Aircraft
10 September 1943 - Commercials, war and the mechanics of scientific flying may have taken the thrill and adventure out of the air but W/C Robert T. P. Davidson, Vancouver, flying Winco of a Typhoon bombing squadron, finds his thrill in variety. During lengthy service career he has flown fifty-five different types of aircraft over England, Egypt, Greece, Crete, Palestine, the Western desert, Ceylon, Greenland and Iceland.
Of all these scattered lands, he finds the Balkans and Greece the best for flying. “Perhaps it is because that part of the Mediterranean reminds me of our West coast with mountains going right down to the sea, trees, and snowy peaks,” he says.
Although W/C Davidson has spent most of his times with the RCAF as a bomber pilot, the Winco has knocked down five enemy kites. Here, too, variety has been the key-note with five different types on his list, two Italians, a Cant 506 floatplane and a CR42 fighter; a German Ju52 troop carrier; a Japanese version of the Seversky 97 bomber and a Zero.
Both Japs were shot down on 15 April 1942, described by Davidson as “the biggest day of my life.” His outfit was on its way from the Middle East to the Burma front but was diverted to Ceylon. They had only been on the island two weeks when scores of Jap planes swooped down.
Our four pilots were in readiness when the Japs were sighted. Before Davidson and his fellow pilot could takeoff, fifty Jap fighters were over the drome. “There were some hectic battles over the island that day,” says the Winco. “Our squadron got twelve confirmed, seven probables and ten damaged.”
Being with the first squadron into Greece and the last out provided Davidson with more hectic experiences. Bombing from Grecian bases wasn’t soft. “We were always getting shot at,” he says. There was plenty of fighter opposition from the Italians until RAF fighters came over from Egypt. Then the Germans arrived. Sore point with the pilots was the loss of all the mess silver when they were finally pushed out of Greece. They flew their ground crews to Crete.
When Hurricanes were sent over, Davidson and other bomber pilots helped out. They had orders to go back to Egypt in their Blenheims. “I wasn’t there long, being sent back in a
Hurricane,” the Winco says.
Getting out of Crete was even more trying than the exodus from Greece. Forty-five men were piled into Sunderland flying boat and carted over to Egypt in the middle of the night.
Reforming the squadron and converting from Blenheims to Hurricanes, Davidson’s squadron did a stint on the Western desert. “I got my Hun, the Ju52, when I was out on a ground strafing job. I caught him over Halfaya Pass, and shot him down,” he says.
A later and more peaceful war scene came when he ferried a Boston across the Atlantic by the hippity-hop route, via Labrador, Iceland and Greenland, a climatic extreme from the temperatures of the Middle and Far East.
Now he is flying Hawker Typhoons, the Winco says, “We can do a bit of pushing around ourselves with that sort of stuff to fight with.”
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DAVIDSON, S/L Robert Tremayne Pillsbury (39968) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.182 Squadron
Awarded as per London Gazette dated 1 October 1943.
Air Ministry Bulletin 11585 refers
This officer has completed large number of operational sorties in Far East, Middle East and European theatres. Much of his flying experience gained in the Greek and Cretan campaigns. He has destroyed five enemy aircraft. Squadron Leader Davidson has displayed extreme keenness for operations.
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Bomber Fleets Strike French, Reich Centers
LONDON, April 25, 1944 - (AP) - A pre-invasion fleet of more than 1,000 Allied bombers and fighters today hurled hundreds of tons of explosives on three airfields deep in France, industrial targets in Southwest Germany and Channel fortifications on the 11th day of an unprecedented Allied sky assault which has rocked Axis Europe from the Atlantic coast to the Black Sea.
The American assaults, costing seven bombers and two fighters, followed heavy R.A.F. and R.C.A.F, night attacks on Karlsruhe and Munich in Germany, a Mosquito raid on Düsseldorf, a blow at the rail depot at Chambly, 20 miles north of Paris, and mine-laying in enemy waters.
The night operations cost 29 bombers, including eight Canadian aircraft.
At 11 o’clock tonight the German radio warned that Allied planes again were approaching, which meant the attacks were entering the 12th consecutive day.
An R.C.A.F. Typhoon Wing led by W/C R.T.P. Davidson, Vancouver, joined in today’s Allied air operations against German invasion-belt defenses in Northern France.
"The bombing was okay," Davidson commented tersely after his fliers had returned.
The attack by the speedy Typhoons followed sweeps by R.C.A.F, fighter squadrons through the skies over Northern France, where Allied aircraft roared in a day-long stream.
Other Canadian fighter Spitfires swept a path for American heavy bombers smashing at enemy fighter fields, downing five enemy planes in a three-minute fight near Laon, 50 miles northeast of Paris. Two were downed by W/C J.E. Johnson, an Englishman, who raised his personal, score to 27 kills.
One Canadian fighter squadron surprised some 200 Germans burying mines, and a pilot who swooped down to 50 feet to attack scored shell hits on troops and on a truck.
Ontario fliers participating in the sweeps included F/O William Hutchinson, Toronto and F/O Ronald Getty, Wheatley, Ont.
The Mediterranean end of the offensive was maintained through Monday by blows at Italian rail targets by Allied bombers and at oil refineries at Ploesti and rail yards at Bucharest in Romania and targets near Belgrade by American planes. The Mediterranean Air Force attacks in the Balkans cost 14 bombers, while 29 enemy fighters were shot down.
Many Targets Hit
Nearly 500 United States heavy bombers escorted by 500 American and R.A.F. fighters today hit German fighter bases at Nancy and Metz, 170 miles east of Paris near the German frontier; Dijon, 160 miles southeast of Paris, and unspecified targets in Southwestern Germany across the Vosges Mountains.
One force of heavies pounded the Pas-de-Calais Channel fortifications nearest Britain, and fighter-bombers also attacked an enemy airfield in Northern France. Then, late today, United States medium bombers escorted by R.A.F. Spitfires again hit objectives in Northern France.
Germany’s fighters offered only slight opposition, a communique said. Ten of their planes were shot down in. combat and an unspecified number of others destroyed on the ground. Returning fliers told of blowing up the majority of hangars at the enemy bases attacked.
R.C.A.F. Spitfires on a sweep over France today preceding the attack by American heavyweights on French airfields destroyed five enemy planes. Three Spitfires were lost.
Drop 50,000 Tons
From late Monday night to dusk today a total force of 3,000 British-based R.A.F., R.C.A.F, and American planes in an unending stream dumped more than 4,000 tons of explosives and more than 500,000 incendiaries on prime targets. In 11 days the Allied teams in Britain and Italy have poured more than 50,000 tons of bombs into Hitler’s fortress.
The main night blow was directed at Karlsruhe, 150 miles northwest of Munich near the French frontier.
A formation of perhaps 1,000 R.A.F. and R.C.A.F, planes pounded the Rhineland industrial city flying through bad weather. At least eight Canadian squadrons participated, with a bomb load possibly exceeding last week’s R.C.A.F. 1,000 ton pounding of Düsseldorf.
Returning fliers reported huge fires were left burning in Karlsruhe. F/O D. Robertson of Winnipeg said all the block-busters "seemed to be falling dead on the Pathfinder mark."
The airmen said the weather en route to the target was the worst some of the crews had ever encountered, with heavy cloud, temperatures as low as 35 degrees below zero and heavy icing conditions.
Feint Was Successful
Canadian squadrons on the trip included the Tiger, Leaside, Thunderbird, Lion, Bison, Porcupine, Alouette and Snowy Owl.
Munich-bound R.A.F. Lancasters feinted by crossing the French Alps into Italy to a point near Milan, then turning northeast into Germany, where the shrine city was turned into an inferno by thousands of incendiaries and block-busters.
This meant a round-trip flight of nearly 2,000 miles, but the absence of out-witted German night fighters dispersed by the maneuver made it worthwhile.
Reconnaissance reports showed fires spreading over a large area of Munich an hour after the main raiding force had left, the Air Ministry said, and the Germans themselves said Munich had suffered its worst assault.
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Victories Include :
? Nov 1940 18 Dec 1940 22 Feb 1941 7/8 Aug 1941 17/18 Dec 1941 13 Jan 1942 11 Feb 1942 5 Apr 1942 8 Jan 1944 unknown dates 1952 |
one Z506B one G-50 1/2 Z506B one Ju88 one u/i e/a one Ju52/3m one Ju88 one Navy Zero one Navy Val 3 Navy Vals 1/2 LeO 45 two MiGs |
destroyed probable destroyed [1] destroyed probable damaged damaged destroyed, destroyed & damaged destroyed damaged |
5 / 2 / 7
"2 Wops, 2 Nips, 2 Huns and 2 Chinks."
Bob's response to his score on a questionaire sent to him by Les Allison.
[1] This a/c force-landed on the water, was repaired there and shot down the next day by R.N. Cullen while attempting to take off.
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DAVIDSON, S/L Robert Tremayne Pillsbury, DFC (RCAF #20465) - Croix de Guerre with Gold Star (France)
AFRO 485/47 dated 12 September 1947.
A remarkable pilot, Wing Commander Davidson was shot down in the course of a mission at the station of Douai where he was leading his Group. He immediately decided to join "Maquis" troops, asked that he be allowed to serve as a private, refusing all rank. During five months this officer shared the fate of resistance, hiding in a hole in a stable. He took part in all actions by his Detachment of the French Forces of the Interior of the region. Wing Commander Davidson by his courage and willingness contributed to the success of the operations of the movement of resistance and help in cementing the good will between France and her Allies.
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DAVIDSON, Wing Commander Robert Tremayne Pilsbury, DFC (20465) - Air Medal (US)
335th Fighter Interceptor Squadron (USAF)
Awarded as per AFRO 742/53 dated 11 December 1953 &
Canada Gazette dated 14 November 1953
Wing Commander Robert T. P. Davidson distinguished himself by meritorious achievement while participating in aerial combat as a pilot of an F-86 type aircraft, 4th Fighter Interceptor Wing, Fifth Air Force, flying missions against enemies of the United Nations from 29 September to 25 October 1952. While flying combat air patrols and various other type missions deep into enemy territory, many times against a superior number of enemy aircraft, his dedication to duty and demonstrated skill were a magnificent contribution to the successful completion of the assigned mission. As a result of his fortitude and courage on these occasions he has brought credit to himself, members of the United Nations Forces, the Royal Canadian Air Force, and the Far East Air Forces.
Of his Korea tour he remarked, "Got in a few good scraps with the MIGs. I made a couple of them smoke."
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Thanks go out to
Grandson Bruce for the infos !
On these pages I use Hugh Halliday's extensive research which includes info from numerous sources; newspaper articles via the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation (CMCC); the Google News Archives; the London Gazette Archives and other sources both published and private.
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