L/Cpl John Dawson Middle Back Row
1/8th Battalion War Diary entry
His rank is Private according to CWGC, but is given elsewhere as Lance Corporal. This is confirmed by the War Diary of the 1/8th Battalion DLI.
He was born in Chester-le-Street, resided at Craghead. He had enlisted at Beamish.
The photograph was taken at Gateshead.
Information: James Pasby
The Chester-le-Street Chronicle 07/07/1916 reports:-Long Service man Killed
Mrs J. Dawson, 9 Ripon Street, Chester-le-Street, has just received information that her husband Lance Corpl. J. Dawson DLI has been killed by a sniper while himself taking a shot. He was a native of the district, where he was well known. He was a soldier with the fine record of 22 years service. He had served in garrisons in different parts of the world, went out with the Chester-le-Street contingent to the Boer war, under Captain (now Lieut. Colonel) J. Turnbull, was one of the guard at the Coronation of the present King and had been in France over twelve months. He leaves a widow and four children. Though he was often offered promotion he always refused to take stripes until about a week before he was killed.
John Dawson is remembered at Chester-le-Street on C105.01, C105.12, C105.15, C105.31 and C105.40