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Lieutenant Colonel William Robert Aufrere DAWSON, 6th Battalion, Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment, died of wounds, 3rd December 1918, age 27. Son of William and Ethel L. Dawson, of Cold Ash, Newbury, Berkshire. Commemorated at Etaples Military Cemetery, XLV. A. 10., Pas de Calais, France. AWARDS: DSO and 3 Bars External link to St Margarets at Cliff War Memorial
London Gazette 19th October 1914. The promotion to the rank of Lieutenant of the under mentioned Second Lieutenants is antedated as follows. Second Lieutenant William R. A. Dawson, to be Lieutenant. Dated 19th September, 1914. London Gazette 26th April 1915. The Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). 6th Battalion. Lieutenant William R. A. Dawson to be temporary Captain. Dated 31st March, 1915. London Gazette 15th April 1916. War Office, 15th April, 1916. His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the appointment of the undermentioned Officers to be Companions of the Distinguished Service Order, in recognition of their gallantry and devotion to duty in the field: Lieutenant (temporary Captain) William Robert Aufrere Dawson, The Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regiment), attached 6th Battalion. For conspicuous gallantry. Though severely wounded, Captain Dawson rejoined his company as soon as his wounds had been dressed, remained at his post till an attack had been repulsed and was again wounded later. His example of courage, endurance, and devotion to duty was one of a very high order. London Gazette 15th June 1916. War Office, 15th June, 1916. The following despatch has been received by the Secretary of State for War from General Sir Douglas Haig, G.C.B., Commander-in-Chief of the British Forces in France: I General Headquarters, 30th April, 1916. Sir, - I have the honour to forward herewith the names of those under my command whom I wish to bring to notice for gallant and distinguished conduct in the field. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient Servant,. D. HAIG, General, Commander-in-Chief, The British Forces in France. Dawson, Lt. (temporary Captain) W. R. A., D.S.O., Royal West Kent Regiment London Gazette 16th October 1916. Royal West Kent Regiment - Temporary Captain W. R. A. Dawson, D.S.O., (Lieutenant, Royal West Kent Regiment.), to be temporary Major whilst 2nd in command of a Battalion. - 12 Aug. 1916. London Gazette 9th December 1916 Royal West Kent Regiment - Lieutenant W. R. A. Dawson, D.S.O., to be Captain 10th Dec. 1916. London Gazette 23rd February 1917. Royal West Kent Regiment - Captain W. R. A. Dawson, D.S.O., from acting Lieutenant Colonel whilst commanding a Battalion, to command a Battalion and to be temporary Lieutenant Colonel, 5 January 1917, with seniority from 5 December 1916. London Gazette 18th July 1917. His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to award a Bar to the Distinguished Service Order to: Captain (temporary Lieutenant Colonel) William Robert Aufrere Dawson, D.S.O., Royal West Kent Regiment For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When the situation was somewhat critical he displayed conspicuous bravery in organising the defence. Although his troops were exhausted from prolonged exposure, he completely reorganised the line under heavy shell fire. His total disregard for personal danger was most marked. (D.S.O. gazetted 15th April, 1916.) London Gazette 21st December 1917. War Office, 21st December 1917. The following is a Continuation of Sir Douglas Haig's Despatch of the 7th November, submitting names deserving special mention, published in a Supplement to the London Gazette of Tuesday, 18th, December, 1917 : ROYAL WEST KENT REGIMENT. - Dawson, Captain (temporary Lieutenant -Colonel) W. R. A., D.S.O.
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