Wilfred Davison

Private Wilfred Davison was a private (no 2990239) with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders 2nd Battalion. The A&S Highlanders were part of the 15^th (Scottish) Infantry Division that were tasked to be part of operation Epsom  in the Battle of the Odon.

Their objective was to break out west of Caen, cross the river Orne, capture high ground south of Caen and eventually Caen itself.

Operation Epsom was delayed by bad weather and eventually covered the period 26^th -30^th June.

By the end of 26^th June the 15^th Scottish Infantry Division had advanced to Cheux and established a thin 2 mile lane into German lines known as “Scots Corridor”.

27^th June – Heavy shelling to slit trenches killed many. 4 members of A&SH died this day. This was most likely when Wilfred died as other casualties that day were buried at Tourville which tallies with the account below.

At 7.30 A&S launched an attack aimed at eventually capturing the Odon crossing at Tourmauville. The Highland Light Infantry engaged the Germans enabling the A&S and the 23rd Hussars to advance to Colleville.

There a small German Garrison, supported by 88mm guns, inflicted many casualties and delayed capture of the village until the afternoon. The  A&SH, after skirmising in Tourville, got astride the main road with two companies and formed a firm base. They were ordered to push on and capture bridge 935635, which they did at 16.30 and this is where they dug in. 

In operation Epsom, 2 A&SH had the following casualties.

One officer killed
Eleven officers wounded
21 other ranks killed,130 wounded and 24 missing

Wilfred is buried at St Manvieu War Cemetery Cheux (8km west of Caen)