Basil Risbridger Davidson

Basil Risbridger Davidson;Basil Crage

Place: Bristol

Born: 1914

Death: 2010

Biography:

, also known as Basil Crage, was a British journalist and historian born in Bristol, United Kingdom in 1914 and died in 2010. He is known for writing more than 30 books on African history and politics.

Early Life and Career

Davidson left school at 16 and moved to London. In 1938, he gained a job at the Paris correspondent of The Economist and later as the diplomatic correspondent of The Star. He travelled widely in Italy and Central Europe in the 1930s.

World War II and Recruitment by SIS

During World War II, Davidson was recruited by the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) and MI6, D Section. He was sent to Budapest, Hungary in December 1939 under the cover of establishing a news service. In April 1941, with the Nazi invasion, he fled to Belgrade, Yugoslavia. In May, he was captured and spent the rest of the war in various prisoner-of-war camps.

Post-War Career

After the war, Davidson returned to journalism and became interested in African history and politics. He made several trips to Africa and wrote extensively about the continent. Davidson was also a campaigner for African independence and was involved in the liberation struggles of several African countries.

Awards and Honors

Davidson was awarded several honors for his work, including the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1968 and the Order of Merit in 1992. His work can be found on Wikioo.org, a virtual museum that features an extensive database of artwork and artist biographies.

Legacy

Basil Risbridger Davidson's legacy as a journalist and historian continues to be felt today. His work on African history and politics remains an important part of British and African cultural heritage. As a British journalist, he played a significant role in shaping the public's understanding of Africa and its people. Key aspects of Davidson's life and career include:
  • His early life and education
  • His recruitment by SIS and MI6, D Section
  • His post-war career as a journalist and historian
  • His awards and honors for his work
In conclusion, Basil Risbridger Davidson was a British journalist and historian who played a significant role in shaping the public's understanding of Africa and its people. His legacy continues to be felt today, with his work remaining an important part of British and African cultural heritage.

Basil Risbridger Davidson – Most viewed artworks