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Arthur Martin Dobson - Information

The Dobson family resided in Picton for some time. Here, Arthur was born in 1894 to Edward William and Eliza Ann Dobson. When he was older, he served 2 years in the Light Horse in Picton and Camden, and found work as a dairyman. The Dobsons then relocated to Ryde Rd in Gladesville. The Dobsons would sacrifice a lot for the war effort. In June 1916, Arthur’s older brother, Jack Raymond, enlisted in the AIF. On the 12th of October, Arthur followed suit, signing up at the Royal Australian Showground. Here, he was made a Sapper and later Driver with the Field Company Engineers. Arthur farewelled his family, as the HMAT Suevic steamed out of Sydney Harbour on the 11th of November 1916.

The Suevic sailed into Devonport, England at the end of January 1917. He was marched to Australian Details at Perham Downs. However, his transportation to France was delayed by illness, arriving on the Western Front in mid May. A month later, he was taken on strength to the 8th Field Company Engineers. Arthur worked close to the front, constructing and maintaining services for operations and the men in the trenches. For four days in October, he was detached for duty with the 1st ANZAC Workshops. Arthur survived the war and was sent back to Australia on the 5th of July 1919, reuniting with his brothers and family.