Roll of Honour

Roll of Honour

Dawson, George

Rank: Corporal

Regiment: Special Brigade, Royal Engineers

Biography: Son of Alexander Dawson, granite merchant ; born Aberdeen, 20 February 1883 ; educated at Aberdeen Grammar School ; graduated M.A. with First Class Honours in Mathematics and Natural Philosophy, 1905 ; B.Sc., 1906. He taught in Kemnay Higher Grade School and Elgin Academy, and from 1911-14 acted as Assistant Science and Mathematical Master in the Aberdeen Grammar School. He gave every promise of being a successful teacher, and was an enthusiastic student of Physical Science. On 10 October 1914 Dawson joined the 5th Battalion, Royal Scots, as a Private. From the date of his enlistment until 23 August 1915 he trained with the Royal Scots in Edinburgh and Ripon. In response to a request from Headquarters for men with a knowledge of Chemistry, he sent in his name and was at once transferred to the Special Brigade, R.E., and left for France on 8 September 1915. Nearly a year later, he was killed in action near Serre, 28 June 1916. George Dawson relinquished peaceful work, into which he was putting his whole heart, to serve his country on the field of battle. He was honoured and loved by pupils and colleagues alike for his conscientiousness, energy and quiet courage.

Date of Death: 28 June 1916

Burial Details: Name recorded on the Thiepval Memorial, Pier 8, Face A.

Publication: Roll of Service, edited by Mabel Desborough Allardyce. Published 1921.


If you have photographs of anyone listed in the Roll of Honour (preferably in service uniform) or have any questions about this resource, please email memoriam@abdn.ac.uk.