Walter DAWSON

16 February 1917

FARNHILL – A.B. WALTER DAWSON DIES FROM WOUNDS

We regret to record that A.B. Walter Dawson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Dawson, of Farnhill, has died from wounds received in action on February 4th. Twenty-four years of age, deceased, who in civil life, was a weaving over-looker in the employ of Mr. J. Woodrow, enlisted in October 1915 in the Royal Naval Division, and was subsequently transferred to the Light Trench Mortar Battery in January 1917 with which he had been engaged at various places at the Front. Mr. and Mrs. Dawson have another son serving in the Royal Naval Yacht Patrol.

23 February 1917

DAWSON – Died of wounds received in action, Royal Naval Seaman Walter Dawson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Dawson, Main Street, Farnhil1, aged 24 years.

23 February 1917

FARNHILL – ROYAL NAVAL SEAMAN DAWSON’S DEATH

As briefly recorded in last Friday’s Herald, the news came to Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Dawson, of Main Street, Farnhill on the 14th inst. that their son, Royal Naval Seaman Walter Dawson, had died of wounds received in action. Seaman Dawson joined the Royal Naval Division in November 1915, and went to France with a land section of the Naval Division in July 1916. He took part in the ‘big push’, being in the light trench mortar battery. He had his last leave eight months ago. He was a well-known local footballer, playing with the Kildwick Old Boys for a good number of years, and was also a playing member of the Sutton United Football Club in the season when the United won the cup and medals. Shortly after his arrival in London he took part in a football match, and at the close one of the officers tapped him on the shoulder and said: “If you fight as well as you play football you will make a grand sailor”. He was a weaving overlooker at Messrs. J. Woodrow and Sons, Standard Shed, prior to joining up, was twenty-four years of age, and was married whilst on his last leave.

Seaman Dawson was a member of the Kildwick Conservative Club, and the club flag was flown half-mast as a token of respect to his memory. He was a thorough sportsman and highly respected, and was possessed of a bright and cheerful disposition. He had been closely connected with Kildwick Church, and had been a Sunday School scholar and formerly a choirboy. His brother, Archie Dawson, is with the Portsmouth Naval Yacht patrol.

A service to the memory of A.B. Walton Dawson was held in St. Andrew’s Church, Kildwick on Sunday afternoon. There was a large congregation and the service, which was a very impressive one, was conducted by the Rev. C. E. V. Hodge, M.A. In the course of his sermon on the words “Good Master what shall I do to inherit Eternal Life?” the Vicar showed how the lads who had given their lives had been called upon to make the greatest sacrifice of all in the service of their country, to leave all and to follow Christ. The Vicar extended his heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved parents and family.

Special prayers of intercession were offered for the souls of all who had given their lives from this parish:– Joseph Green; Joseph Smith; Walter Dawson; Harry Walmsley

At the close of the service the ‘Last Post’ was sounded on the cornet by R. Inskip, and the Dead March in ‘Saul’ was played by Mr. G. Spencer, the organist.

25 January 1918

FARNHILL – Unionist Club

The Kildwick and Farnhill Unionist Club held its annual meeting on Friday evening, Mr. James Woodrow presiding over a good attendance… The president made touching reference to the loss of two members, Walter Dawson, killed in France, and Albert L. Backhouse, missing in France since last April and now reported killed…