The Association has learned of the death of Surg Capt Alexander Fraser Davidson OBE RN on 2 May 2021.
From Records
Sandy served with 802 Squadron between December 1957 – December 1958 flying the Sea Hawk.
Surgeon Captain Alexander (Sandy) Fraser Davidson OBE RN passed away on 2 May 2021 at Rowan Lodge Nursing Home where he had been well looked after for a period of 3 years following a stroke.
He was educated at Fettes College and Glasgow Academy where he was on the diving and swimming teams. He was interested in sailing holding a RYA yacht master offshore certificate, was a British Canoe Union coach and won the Royal Navy slalom championship two years running. He also enjoyed archery and golf.
He joined the Royal Navy as a Surgeon Lieutenant in March 1954 and served primarily in the fields of aviation medicine and occupational medicine on ships as well as air stations.
He qualified as a naval pilot in 1956 and as US navy flight surgeon in 1957. He was a Royal Navy ships diver in 1969 and he also completed the Royal Navy underwater medical course.
While on staff at the institute of aviation medicine he was involved in the planning of and participation in trials and techniques and equipment for underwater escape from aircraft for which he was awarded an OBE in 1967. He was also involved in the testing of life jackets and other aircrew equipment and in aircraft accident investigation. He had experience as a member of several boards of enquiry into aircraft, diving and general service accidents.
In his last 4 years of service he was responsible for the maintenance and improvement of medical standards in all air stations in Naval Air Command.
He left the Royal Navy in 1983 with the rank of Surgeon Captain after 29 years service.
In June 2017 he flew a Spitfire for his 87th birthday during which he took the controls and did a barrel roll.
His wife Elspeth Davidson passed away also at Rowan Lodge Nursing Home on 29 April 2020. He leaves behind his son Ian and two daughters Ann and May, having been predeceased by his sons Alec and Tom. He is also succeeded by 5 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
Written by son, Ian Davidson