Bernard Patrick Dawson.
Image courtesy Australian War Memorial.
Bernard Patrick Dawson was born in Orange in 1887 to James Dawson and his wife Mary (nee McConville). A sister, Catherine, was born two years later. It is not known how long the family remained in Orange; by the time Bernard enlisted in April 1915 both his parents had passed away and he was working as a postman in Drummoyne.
Private Dawson’s war career was very brief; lasting just under four months. He embarked from Sydney in June 1915 and joined the 2nd Battalion at Gallipoli on 6 August. The following day he was reported missing in action. This was upgraded to killed in action following board proceedings that took place on 24 August 1915.
Bernard is commemorated in the Drummoyne War Service Record and the Baptistry Memorial at St Mark’s Catholic Church at Drummoyne.
