‘Sange’ has his say
A tribute to Warden C H Davidson
fortiter in re, suaviter in modo!
Resolute inaction, gentle in manner!
take great dHeadmasters_Photos (2)delight in reminiscing about a man of immense distinction and honour, who inspired all Thomians who had the fortune of learning Latin and English, under his guidance at STC.
They often believed that a “good personality to a man, is like an exquisite fragrance to a flower!” Such is the similarity, I would gladly liken, to this “unsung hero” of our time. His teaching skills in Latin and English were never short of excellence. His manners were impeccable and his gentle and soft-spoken voice impressed us all.
To me, he remained the best example of a person who commanded respect, without having the need to demand it. A “Gentleman” son to his boots, he was fondly remembered by my peers and many students over generations, as a focused and dedicated teacher – a rare breed of the modern world!
In 1942, the College buildings at mt Lavinia were commandeered as a Military Hospital, and the school was moved to Peradeniya and Gurutalawa. Mr Davidson took a keen interest in training the School Cadet Corps and he used to organize a “route mach” every weekend, from Getambe.
School history records show how Warden Davidson pioneered a route march from Getembe to Diyatalawa to annexe the coveted “Herman Loos” Challenge Cup, for the Best Inter School Cadet Corps in Ceylon.
Warden Davidson took a great interest in training interested students, in the skills of Marksmanship. His carefully worded instructions on how to handle firearms enthralled us and kept us spellbound! The Rifle Club at STC was his “Brain Child”!
Prior to him being appointed the Warden he held office as the Sub Warden, for quite some time. All Old Thomians should recall his cosy residence in the garden across the road next to the school. He was affectionately remembered as “Poeta”.
I pay tribute, and join to salute one of our very distinguished Wardens of S Thomas’ College. Whose integrity, thoroughness, care and diligence remain indelible in my mind.
“de gustibus non est disputandum”
Esto Per Petua!
– The writer Dr Ranjith Dambawinna was a pupil of Warden Davidson.
from the Centurion 12th Edition – August 2010
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