James Davison

Bank: Ulster Bank

Place of work: Clones branch

Died:  1 July 1916

James Hall Davison was born in County Down in 1897, the son of a local farmer. He was educated at Lisburn Intermediate School, and later went to work for Ulster Bank at its Clones branch.

In October 1914 Davison joined the army, becoming a Rifleman in the Royal Irish Rifles. He was posted to France in October 1915, and in the course of his service was recommended for both a Distinguished Conduct Medal, for rescuing a drowning soldier, and for a commission. He was killed in action on 1 July 1916, the first day of the Somme offensive. He was 19 years old.

His commanding officer later wrote that he was 'well known as a particularly fearless and conscientious soldier, keen on his duty and well liked by all.'

James Davison is commemorated on two memorials at Ulster Bank’s Belfast head office: its roll of honour for staff who served in the First World War and its memorial for those who fell.