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James Dawson - Information

James Dawson was born in Campbelltown on the 27th of May 1888. James did very well at school and eventually became a doctor. He moved to Lewisham and began working as a medical practician. James was eagerly accepted to the Army Medical Corps as a Medical Officer when he enlisted on the 1st May 1916.

James was sent overseas for war service on the 19th of August 1916 from Sydney on the HMAT Boorara. He arrived at Plymouth on the 13th of October and was shipped to France in November. He was stationed to the 2nd Australian General Hospital, before being posted to the 14th Field Ambulance in December. On the 29th of January 1917, he was temporarily appointed Major, before reverting to Captain, as he became Medical Officer with the 10th Field Artillery Brigade in March. James worked hard to take care of the men in his charge. In August 1917, he contracted trench fever and malaria, and was evacuated to the 3rd London General Hospital on the 1st of September 1917. After recuperating, James returned to France in September 1918. He continued to look after his men until he commenced his journey home on the 8th of January 1919. When he reached Australia, he continued on with his medical practice.