ANZAC Search

Claude McNiven Dawson - Information

When the war began, Claude was living in Cawdor and was working as a locomotive fireman. Claude was born in Camden c1894 to Charles and Mary McNiven Dawson. Claude had previously gained military experience serving for three years with the 2nd Light Horse, No. 1 Squadron in Camden. At 21, he decided to join his mates, enlisting in the AIF on the 22nd of July 1915 in Liverpool. During training, Claude was posted to the 15th Battery, 5th Field Artillery Brigade as a Gunner. He was then promoted Driver on the 1st of October. Claude then departed Sydney on the 18th of November 1915 on the HMAT Persic.

Claude disembarked in Suez just before Christmas. After further exercises, he was transported to Marseilles from Alexandria in March 1916. In early September, he was transferred to the 20th Army Service Corps. In January 1917, Claude was detached to 2nd Division Artillery Headquarters. He was then detached for duty with the 2nd Division Salvage Company in March. By late September, Claude returned to the 20th Army Service Corps. In 1918, Claude was detached to a variety of units. He joined the 2nd Pioneers in Belgium from late January to mid March. For a short time in April, Claude was again detached to the 4th Australian Field Artillery, before completing duty with the 11th Battery. When the Armistice was announced Claude had returned to the 20th ASC. He was then stationed to Codford Camp in England, until he was sent back to Australia, sailing onboard the Castalia on the 13th of April 1919. Claude returned to a grateful family in Cawdor. He then met and fell in love with Emily Hasche, becoming husband and wife in Sydney in 1927.