Lieutenant-Colonel David Day Dawson VD
7th Brigade AIF (Brigade Major)
25th Battalion AIF
By Robert Simpson
David Day Dawson was born in Gladstone on 6th July 1876. He was one of twelve children to Joseph Robert Barrington Dawson and Marion Hamilton Smith, who had been married on 5th May 1862 in Maitland, New South Wales. Joseph was a Protestant free settler from Yorkshire, who had arrived in Sydney in 1840. He had been born in 1838 and died in 1900. In 1865, a Joseph Robert Barrington Dawson was sent to Cockatoo Island from Bathurst, for stealing goods under false pretences. Marion had been born in 1843 in New South Wales. By 1874, the family had moved to Gladstone in Queensland. David was one of seven sons. In an article in the Rockhampton Morning Bulletin, R J D Dawson was described as a Doctor who was the first doctor at Springsure Hospital. David went to the Boys’ Central State School and later did his higher education at a night school. All twelve children lived well into their adulthoods. David was an Officer Cadet in the Cadet Corps at his school.
In 1892, David commenced work as a clerk for the registry office of the Anglican Diocese of Rockhampton. He took a keen interest in football, playing with the Wanderer Football Club. David was an active member of the executive of the Central Queensland League of Wheelmen, and won many prizes while competing in bicycle races. He won the 75 yards championship at the Australian Natives’ Association Sports in 1902, and was president of the Rockhampton branch for several years.
The Capricornian (a Rockhampton newspaper) published an item on Saturday, 1st January 1898 that the Rockhampton Gymnasium and Cycling Club had their annual sports meeting on the Friday before and the Sports Secretary was “Mr. David D. Dawson”.
In 1899, the Queensland Government Gazette contained the following entry “Chief Secretary’s Office Brisbane, 26th September, 1899. His excellency the Governor directs it to be notified that he has been pleased to appoint DAVID DAY DAWSON to be, provisionally, a Lieutenant in the Queensland Defence Force (Land).” The Morning Bulletin of Rockhampton on 3rd October 1899 followed that entry in the Gazette, saying it contained “the following proclamations: – David Day Dawson to be provisionally a lieutenant in the Queensland Defence Force.” On Saturday 7th October 1889, under No. 342 Central Military District, the Gazette contains the following entry under changes “ACTING LIEUTENANT D. D. DAWSON is attached to “B” Company, Rockhampton, pending completion of Recruit Drill.” The 1900 electoral roll shows David living at Fitzroy Street in Rockhampton (between Murray and West Streets) and he was a clerk and registrar. Results of examinations were published on 25th August 1900, in which Acting Lieutenant D. D. Dawson of A Company Rockhampton scored 58% in part A, Fair in Practical and 76% in Written for Infantry; with an aggregate of 67% and he passed. In Pugh’s Almanac and Queensland Directory of 1901, in the Chief Secretary section; under Central District 5th Queensland (or Port Curtis) Regiment was the entry under Lieutenants of “David Day Dawson, July 28, 1900.” Under Defence, Queensland Military Forces, in the 1902 to 1905 books are similar entries, under different headings. He was gazetted as a Captain attached to the Port Curtis Infantry on 16th June1904, according to The Capricornian in December 1904, passing the exam with an aggregate of 78%. A special mention was gained for the aggregate and he was classified as distinguished in three subjects he sat for. David was appointed Registrar of the Diocese of Rockhampton in 1900 (a position he held until his death) and was appointed Diocesan Secretary in 1902. The 1903 roll elaborated his address to 152 Fitzroy Street. It was the same details on the 1905 and 1906 rolls.
In 1901, he was selected to command the Central Queensland detachment of the Queensland Contingent that was sent to Melbourne for the opening of the first Commonwealth Parliament by the Duke of York. He volunteered for active service in the Boer War, but due to his young age he was not accepted as an officer. Offering to resign his commission and join the ranks, the military authorities declined to allow it. David offered his services with a lot of contingents, but was refused.
On 12th September 1906, he married Evelyn Maud McDonald Broome in Rockhampton. Eveline had been born on 23rd January 1883 in Rockhampton, a daughter to William Broome (1851-1923) and Sarah Alice Jessie McDonald (1854-1886). William lived in Talford Street Rockhampton and was a stock and station agent. Her name in the electoral rolls is spelt Eveline, and an entry in David’s service record has a middle name as Macdonald. An article in the Rockhampton Morning Bulletin of Thursday 6th September 1906 discussed how many officers of the local military forces had attended the regimental office the day before to make presentations to Captain Dawson on the occasion of his marriage. One officer said he “had known Captain Dawson for some years, during which time he had always found him most zealous in the discharge of his military duties.” He had a keen interest and had taken every opportunity to increase his military knowledge. He was held in high esteem by “his brother officers.” David was presented with a silver kettle with a spirit lamp and a dinner gong. He also attended a ceremony at the Anglican Diocesan Chambers and it was said of him that he had “risen to the important office of Registrar of the diocese, gaining it by honest work an unflagging zeal and attention to his duties.”
On 7th July 1907, Russell Graham Dawson, their only son was born. Their only daughter, Eveline Ermyntrude Dawson was born in 1912. David was elected Chairman of Committees of the Provincial Synod of Queensland in 1912, and still held the position in the 1930’s.
By the 1908 electoral roll and up to an including the 1913 roll, they had moved to Palmer Street on the Range at Rockhampton and he was listed as a clerk and then diocesan registrar. By the 1914 roll, they had moved to Caroline Street (Fitzroy) and he was a clerk. In 1902 he was promoted to Captain, Major in 1909 and Lieutenant-Colonel in 1913. He was appointed to command the third Port Curtis Infantry Battalion in 1912. The Morning Bulletin of 10th June 1913 told that David was “in receipt of the very gratifying information that he has passed the three examinations necessary to entitle him to the rank of lieutenant-colonel.”
David applied for a “Commission in the Expeditionary Force to Europe” on 17th August 1914 in the 1st Military District. For his educational qualifications it was stated he had no certificates. He had 15 years with the Port Curtis Infantry including 4 years as Lieutenant and 5 years as Captain, for his military qualifications. His civil employment was Diocesan Registrar and was born on 6th July 1876 (38 years and 1 month) and was a married British subject. His address was Caroline Street, Rockhampton and his next-of-kin was his wife at the same address. The Battalion Area was noted as 3. David was 5 foot 6 inches tall, weighed 11 stone; had a chest measurement of 35 to 39 inches and eyesight of D6 in both eyes. He was recommended to be a Major (promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel) and was to be posted as Brigade Major to 7th Infantry Brigade AIF. He was recommended by the District Commandant on 28th June 1915, after being actively employed organising and recruiting until early 1915.
A photo was taken of the 25th Battalion football team, which included Lieutenant-Colonel David Day Dawson. The match was played as ‘Soldiers verses Woolloongabba’ to aid the Belgium Fund and the soldiers won 6-3.
David was appointed to the 7th Infantry Brigade as Brigade Major on 20th March 1915. Their address was listed as Koochee, The Range Rockhampton. In the remarks column was “In case of casualty, cable should be sent to Bishop of Rockhampton, Lis Escop, Rockhampton or to Venerable G. H. Rodgers The Rectory Rockhampton.” He was temporarily placed in command of the 25th Battalion on 12th May, after being the Second in Command. On 17th May he was appointed Brigade Major of the 7th Brigade. The 7th Infantry Brigade Headquarters Staff embarked on HMAT Aeneas A60 from Brisbane on 29th June 1915. He was listed as Brigade Major and Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel. His rate of pay was 37 shillings and 6 pence per day. They embarked at Melbourne on HMAT Aeneas on 2nd June 1915. His religion was listed as Church of England. He was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel on 6th June 1915 and was appointed to temporarily command the 25th Battalion on 15th October 1915, after joining it on 22nd September. The war diary notes he took command temporarily on the 24th and reported for duty at APEX at 1600 hours. While on Gallipoli, the 25th Battalion had a relatively quiet time as there were no major offensives. He had been transferred from Brigade Headquarters, to command the 25th Battalion on 24th October. On 29th October 1915, he was admitted to the 7th Field Ambulance as he was sick, losing his command. He was then transferred to the 16th Casualty Clearing Station on the same day and then onto Mudros. On 9th November, he disembarked at Alexandria from the Hospital Ship Galeka from Mudros, and was admitted to the 1st Australian General Hospital with colic.
The proceedings of a Medical Board held at 1st Australian General Hospital at Heliopolis on 12th November 1915, concerning the present state of health of Lieutenant-Colonel D D Dawson of the 7th AIF, showed his disability was renal calculus. He was 39 years old and had served for 9 months. The examination reported he “was invalided from Gallipoli suffering from a stone in the left kidney. The X ray photograph showing the stone accompanied him. The Board recommends that Lt Col Dawson be sent to Australia for operation.” He would be unfit for general services for 6 months. His disability was contracted in circumstances of which he had no control over and could be equally caused by military service or civilian life. It was approved on the 13th.
On 14th November 1915, he was discharged to be invalided to Australia. After being transferred to Headquarters, he was struck off strength on leaving for Australia on the ship Borda on 31st December 1915, for discharge or change. Another record has that he embarked on 15th November 1915 (which is the same in other records, so would be the correct entry) and he was struck off strength Gallipoli on Divisional Orders of 8th December 1915. The Capricornian newspaper in Rockhampton recorded his return as being on the afternoon of the 25th December 1915, where he was met by the Deputy Mayor and a number of friends, who regretted he returned unwell and wished for a speedy recovery. David said he would return to the firing line as soon as he was better, and would be recruiting as many men as he could while at home. Describing the “boys at Gallipoli” as cheerful, he was also indignant at talk of them having no discipline or regard for their officers. He also acknowledged “in the highest terms to the sacrificing work of the nursing sisters at Mudros and in Egypt. Nothing was too much trouble to them.” His appointment was terminated on 15th June 1916.
An Attestation paper in his service records reads that Lieutenant-Colonel David Day Dawson joined on 29th July 1916. He was 40 years old and his Trade or Calling was Diocesan Registrar. He listed his wife as next-of-kin and he was currently serving in HM Forces. David was born in Gladstone, Queensland. He was prepared to undergo inoculation against small pox and enteric fever. Only the front page was filled in.
Marion (his mother) passed away in Rockhampton on 9th October 1915.
A record of his service shows he was appointed on 29th July 1916 as Officer Commanding troops for a voyage only as a Lieutenant-Colonel. He left Brisbane on A60 Itonus on 28th August 1916 and he left Plymouth on 26th December 1916 on HT Nestor. His next-of-kin was informed of his return on 14th February 1917. David returned to Australia on 89th March 1917, and his appointment was terminated on that day.
His From of Commission Warrant was received on 14th November 1917 at Base Records. Eveline M M Dawson received the form for Lieutenant-Colonel D D Dawson and signed for it on 9th December 1917. Base Records received the slip back on the 14th.
His service records have a file which noted he had two periods of service; as a Lieutenant-Colonel in the 7th Infantry Brigade, and with the same rank, as a Transport Officer.
David was appointed to command the 42nd Battalion CMF in 1918, and was appointed president of the local Conscription Campaign Committee.
In 1918, he resigned his position as Diocesan Secretary and became and auction and commission agent in his own business. He was elected Chairman of Committees of the Synod of the Diocese of Rockhampton in 1920, and still held that position in the 1930’s. David was also a member of the General Synod of Australia for many years. He took keen interest in the affairs of the Anglican Church. Through his efforts, the Clergy Superannuation Scheme of the Rockhampton diocese was implemented, and also the fire insurance scheme (which was the first of its kind in the Australian Anglican Church). That scheme developed into the Church of England Insurance Company of Australia, Limited; which was based in Sydney. David was a director of the company.
In the 1919 electoral roll, they were still at 106 Caroline Street, and the house was named “Koochie”, which has been described in recent real estate listings as a comfortable 4 bedroom family home on a generous sized allotment. David’s occupation was diocesan registrar. They continued to live in the same house through the 1922 to 1934 rolls.
David took a keen interest in public affairs; he worked for the Saturday half-holiday campaign, was a member of the Rockhampton Carnival committee, and he was elected alderman in 1919 and again in 1930. In 1920, he applied to be placed on the retired list, which was granted and he was promoted to Colonel with permission to retain the rank and wear the appropriate uniform. General Sir William Birdwood awarded him the Volunteer Decoration on 22nd January 1920.
On 15th May 1921, the District Base Commandant of the 1st Military District wrote to Base Records in Melbourne “Hon. Colonel D.D.Dawson, V.D., Retired List, A.M.F., has asked for information as to the reason for designating him on the British War Medal awarded to him as “Sea Transport” instead of “25th Battalion”, that being the unit with which he served in the A.I.F.” They gave his AIF description as Lieutenant-Colonel David Dawson, 25th Battalion (also Headquarters, 7th Infantry Brigade). It was asked if the medal was returned, could it be altered to 25th Battalion. The reply from Base Records asked if they could send the medal back and it would be altered to read “7th Infantry Brigade, Headquarters, that being the unit with which Lieutenant Colonel Dawson first served on entering a theatre of war.”
In the 1920’s and 1930’s, then Morning Bulletin in Rockhampton had a weekly article on stock sales and insolvent stock sales when they occurred at his business.
The Morning Bulletin (Rockhampton) of Friday 20th July 1923 had an article on the Bond-Dawson Case with a verdict for the defendants. In the case, Joseph Bond was suing D. D. Dawson and Co. for 500 pounds for “for neglect of duty regarding the sale of plaintiff’s land”. It would appear the person buying the land asked for some time to pay the deposit and there were issues after that. After the deliberations, the jury retired and returned with answers to the questions that were given them and a judgement for the defendants, which was entered accordingly. There is some confusion in the article, as in places they call the person suing Mr Boyd.
Another court case involved David, who was acting as “the person duly appointed to defend on behalf of the Mount Cassidy claimholders and committee”. He was being sued by Clarence Sheraton, a labourer of North Rockhampton, for 28 pounds work and labour done for the claimholders in carting ore between Mount Cassidy and Ridgelands railway station. The judgement was a verdict for the defendant on the whole amount. It was mentioned in the Evening News on Thursday 9th July 1931.
In January 1932, they entertained a Reverend Walter Scott from England and Bishop Halford from Yeppoon, as their guests while they were in Rockhampton. At the March 1932 executive meeting of the CQDBA, David “mentioned that a bowling club had been formed at Longreach with 67 members. The new club is to be asked to affiliate.” They were involved with the St. George’s Orphanage Social Committee, and held an entertainment evening at their house, which was an enjoyable time. They gave to an appeal by Bishop Ash to raise money to purchase a car for the orphanage. In August, he was on a committee to raise money to pay back creditors for the orphanage.
On Tuesday, 30th August 1932, the Morning Bulletin in Rockhampton had an article and photo of David, saying he had been elected for the fourth time as the new President of the Central Queensland District Bowling Association. In early October 1932, he left for Sydney to attend the General Anglican Synod, and returned in late October. He caused a bit of a stir at the Synod when he said that lotteries in Queensland “were helping the poor and suffering, and that if the church desired to attack gambling, it should first attack the bookmakers, who were the principle evil in all gambling”. A Bishop had moved a resolution that they should protest against those States that were raising money by gambling and also condemn “any form of gambling in raising funds for Church purposes.” The “lotteries are doing great work for the suffering poor. The Casket has built up the hospitals and medical services,” said Colonel Dawson. “Before we throw out a system that is doing much good, you should put something in its place.” A hospital tax was suggested. David suggested that even in good times the church had “done little to help the suffering poor.” He continued, “I am against all gambling, but you should attack the worst part of the evil before a part that is doing good”. A suggestion was made that the hospitals could be supported by a tax or national insurance and the motion was carried.
After taking an active part in bowls; in November 1932, David was elected as captain of the green at the election of officers for the Athelstane Bowling Club. He was also three times the president of the club. He also assisted in forming the Central District Bowling Association and was elected its first president.
The Central Queensland Herald reported that on 4th January 1934, in Rockhampton, the application for the renewal of an auctioneers’ licence was granted to David Day Dawson. Social Notes in the Courier-Mail of Friday, 7th June 1935 included “Miss Beth Kennedy will leave early next week for Rockhampton, where she will be the guest of Colonel and Mrs. David Dawson for the carnival festivities.”
He was involved with the Friendly Society Movement and at some time held the position of Noble Grand of the Loyal Livingstone Lodge of Independent Order of Oddfellows and was also a trustee of the Lodge. Being also interested in Masonic affairs, he had held the position of Master of his Lodge and also held other important positions. Colonel Dawson was the first district president for Central Queensland of the RSSILA, and during his period funds were raised to purchase land and build the Anzac Club building, which was opened by the Governor of Queensland, Sir Matthew Nathan.
David Day Dawson passed away on 14th November 1935 in Rockhampton. The Morning Bulletin in Rockhampton of Friday 15th November 1935 had his funeral notice which read “The Funeral of the late DAVID DAY DAWSON will leave St. Paul’s Cathedral, THIS (Friday) AFTERNOON, for the Rockhampton Cemetery, after a short Service, commencing at 3 o’clock. LUTTON BROS, Funeral Directors.” Members of the RSSILA were also requested to attend the late Colonel’s funeral. The Evening Bulletin of the same day also contained the same funeral notice. He was buried in Rockhampton Cemetery on Friday, 15th November 1935 in the Church of England section 17X and plot number 7019. The cemetery records note chronic nephritis, which is probably his cause of death.
David was mentioned in various newspapers on his death, mainly in the Rockhampton Morning Bulletin, but also in a Brisbane newspaper, the Daily Standard. The funeral was described as large and was held at St Pauls Cathedral. It was conducted by Bishop Ash and Canon Davidson, as was the graveside service. Pallbearers included the Mayor (T Lee).
The Chairman of the Rockhampton Hospital Board said, “The late Colonel Dawson was a good citizen and gave splendid service to the community.” A vote of condolence was moved at the board meeting, and carried in silence. One was also moved at the Council. The Mayor said he was a member of an old and highly respected family of the district and had been connected with many movements for the benefit of Rockhampton. His passing was also noted at the Rockhampton Stock Exchange.
In his service records is a form of receiving the Victory Medal, but it is wrongly indexed, as it is for a Private 6316 D C Dawson 22nd Battalion.
In the 1936 and 1937 electoral rolls, Eveline was still living at 106 Caroline St, with her mother, and her occupation was listed as typist. After that, she married Kenneth Frank Lear sometime between the 1937 and 1943 rolls. He was born in England in 1910, served in WW2 as Warrant Officer 414943 in the RAAF and was a farmer after the war. Frank was wounded in a Stirling bomber over Mannheim, Germany on 23rd September 1943, but no other information is available, as his records are not online. Eveline passed away in 1982.
Russell moved to New South Wales, where he married Marjorie Violet Seymour in 1928. The 1930 and 1933 electoral rolls have them in “Greencourt”, Durley Street in Darlinghurst and he was a motor driver. By the 1936 roll, they had moved to 652 Kiewa St Albury and he was a bookmaker. The roll in 1943 shows them at 470 Hovell St Albury and he was still a bookmaker, although by that time he had joined the army. Russell enlisted on 5th July 1940 in Caulfield as VX29598 and was living in Albury at that time. Not much is known about what he did as his service records are not available online. He was discharged on 3rd January 1946 as a Lance Sergeant in the 2/142 Australian Workshop Place. In 1949 they were living at 404 Kiewa St Albury and he was a journalist. He died in Albury on 3rd August 1976.
The Queensland Brand Directories of 1945 and 1949 have a brand listed under David Day Dawson and John Kiddell Dawson, which was registered under their names. John Kiddell Dawson was David’s youngest brother, born 10th July 1886 in Gladstone. Obviously the brand was registered before David died. John served in the 3rd Light Horse Regiment in WW1 as Driver 47A, joining on 27th August 1914 with the 5th ASC, but transferring in 1916. He returned to Australia in 1918 with debility. David had a few of his brothers’ serve. Edward Hamilton Dawson joined the 2nd FAB as Driver 35516 on 18th October 1916. He returned to Australia in 1919 as a Gunner.
Frederick Lionel Dawson, another brother, born on 5th October 1880 in Gladstone Queensland, served 10 years in the Port Curtis Infantry, 8 years as a Lieutenant and 2 years as a Captain. He applied for a Commission in the AIF on 17th August 1914 and was posted to the 25th Battalion as a Captain, promoted to Major. At one stage he was in temporary command of the 25th Battalion and was also posted to the 20th Battalion later on. In early 1918 he received a Corps Complementary for valuable services rendered. He was involved with an enquiry on the 25th Battalion about a gas attack while they were in billets. He returned to Australia in late 1918.
David was Diocesan Registrar from 1892 to 1919 and then Registrar from 1919 to 1932.
National Archives Australia has more service records for David, including a military officer’s record of service. They are open, but not online. There is also a listing for “BOND Joseph versus DAWSON David Day; BOYD J M, trading as D D Dawson and Company”, which refers to the 1923 court case above.
David was entitled to the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal and Colonial Auxiliary Forces Volunteer Decoration.
The big grave at the back is the family grave, he has no headstone.
