William Davidson

Colonel William Davidson (Royal Artillery) died of heart failure while holding a depot command at the base. He was widely believed to be the oldest British military casualty of the war at that time - he was 65 - and quite possibly of it's duration. Wisden said he was "a fine, free hitter, and represented the Royal Artillery at cricket, football, rackets, and billiards. In 1809 he was in the Woolwich XI, scoring 8 and 50 against Sandhurst, and had been a member of the M.C.C. since 1873." He took part in the Zulu, Afghan and Boer Wars, was mentioned in despatches twice, and received the CB in 1901.
Martin Williamson