Mexborough and Swinton Times May 5, 1917
Sgt FG Dawson
(York and Lancs)
of 15, Angel Street, Bolton on Dearne was killed in action in France on April 11, at the age of 24. He was a territorial, who had been serving since the outbreak of war. He previously worked at Manvers Main.
His father received the following letter from his platoon officer:
“it is with deepest regret that I write to tell you that your son was killed in action early on Wednesday morning, the 11th inst. As his platoon officer, I would like to say how grieved we all are, and greatly he will be missed by officers and men alike.
My own acquaintance with him not been a very long one, but since I came to his company at the beginning of the year and I have found in your son a most loyal helper and a gallant soldier. His example was always a noble one, and more than one occasion I have found that he did not know what fear was. I have been away from the battalion a fortnight, and your son was killed a few hours before I got back.
His death, and make sure you, was absolutely painless. You are sleeping in a shelter with a piece of shell came through and it’s him in the neck. He died a short time afterwards without having recover consciousness.
Please accept my very sincerest sympathy in your great loss, and I hope you will find some comfort in the knowledge that your son lived a gallant life and died a noble death. I think he held a record for this battalion. He had been in France to use this week, and had only missed some three days of trenches.”
Major E.D.B.Johnson of Wath upon Dearne, who is serving with the same battalion writes:
“You will have heard before now of the death of your son, was killed a few days ago. I knew him very well, as he used to be in my company in the old days, and came out with me two years ago. I’m very sorry indeed. He was a good fellow in every way, and a great loss to the battalion.
Not only I, but many others, sympathise with you.”