Francis Mustard Davison

[Poppytod]

Hi, I am looking for any information on Francis Mustard Davison, b:5 April 1912 d:1976. He was the illegitimate son of Francis Toogood Mustard & Beatrice Davison. He married Eva Scott in 1934 and had one daughter that I know of, Oriel Davison. I am particularly interested in his war time exploits as I have heard that he was a german POW in Stalag 13 at the time of "The Great Escape"

[kyt]

Sounds like F/O F M Davison who was part of the crew of 158 Squadron's Halifax HR718, that was lost on a mission to Berlin on the night of 23/24 August 1943.

The crew consisted of:

Sgt T C Edwards killed
Sgt R Goddard POW
Sgt F J Field POW
Sgt D E Slack POW
Sgt E Whitfield killed
F/O F M Davison POW
Sgt F G Chapman Killed

Davison was, indeed, incarcarated in Stalag Luft III. It maybe worth getting hold of a book by Chorley entitled In brave company: history of 158 Squadron as there maybe mention of him. Or ask over on http://www.rafcommands.com/forum/index.php incase someone has it or the Squadron ORB. I am sure someone has been researching 158 but I just can't remember who at the moment.

K

[Poppytod]

Hi Kyt, Thanks for your reply, I am most interested to find out all I can about Francis as he is my 2nd cousin 1x removed. I get a feeling from his photo that he would have been a bit of a lad, and would love to have known him, so find out this info is the next best thing Regards, Poppytod

[Burgess James]

Hi
I am Oriel's youngest son.
Francis is buried in All Saint's Church Marlow i am afraid i don't know his story Oriel my mother passed away almost 15 years ago. She often spoke of her fathers time in the during the war. I think he was a rear gunner when he was shot down. He was indeed in Stalag 13 at the time of "The Great Escape" and my mother wouldn't miss the film each time it was on. She told me he was helping people into the tunnel when the escape was discovered i think he may get a mention in the book "the wooden horse" I don't have any memory of my Grandad as he died either just after or just before i was born in Feb 1975.Eva died in 1972. My father Roger tells me he was deeply effected by his time as a POW and would not attend any reunions. He had a half Brother James Malkin who married Doris they had no children and Jim died around 1985.
I have the same photo and i would also like to know how i find out more about his time during the war
Regards
James

[Burgess James]

Hi Trevor,
 I haven't forgotten i have just had a very busy six months. I hope to get some pictures to you over xmas.
Regards
James

[Poppytod]

Hi James, thanks for thinking of me. Still very interested in finding out more, photos will be a great asset for me. Regards for now and have a great Christmas, Trevor.

[Dambuster]

I have found a letter from Frank Davison he wrote to my great grandparents after the war. In it he details his life as a POW. I would love to get this letter to a relative.