The Association has learned of the death of Lt Ronald Davidson RN in January 2016.
LIEUTENANT RON DAVIDSON RN by Tony Tayler
I met Ron in EAGLE in 1952 when he was in 803 Attacker squadron. We were then both sent to night-fighter training, where we crewed up, and joined 890 the first Sea Venom squadron. Ron was an excellent pilot, he had been in the Attacker aerobatic team, and had the hardest position, number two in the Sea Venom team.
We stayed together in two more Sea Venom squadrons, but I had to leave when 893 was fitted with ejector seats, as my legs were too long. Ron served in the Suez campaign, and was rather hurt that people he did not know were trying to kill him.
Ron left the navy, probably after eight years, and became an airline pilot, initially with BEA. He started as third pilot, and was astonished that the second pilot had never flown inverted. Ron was a keen supporter of FAAOA serving on the committee for several years. He had a full career as a commercial pilot, eventually becoming a Captain.
I was honoured to be his lifelong friend. Ron leaves his wife, Kathy, and their three children.
From Records
Whilst flying Supermarine Attacker WA516 of 803 Squadron Ford on 14 October 1952 the aircraft would not become airborne, overshot the runway into a field and was badly damaged.