Lieutenant Colonel H. J. Dawson, D.S.O.
59th (Eastern Ontario) & 46th (South Saskatchewan) Battalions

During the recent fighting Lieut.-Colonel Dawson gave out and was sent down to the Hospital. I think he has gone on down the line and, as the strenuous fighting is likely to continue for some time, I would like very much to have another man in command of the Battalion and give Dawson a good chance to rest. He has been recommended as an Officer fit to command a Brigade in the Field, and is one of the best Commanding Officers I have. He has been hard at it now since the Fourth Division came to France.

(Gen. Arthur Currie, 17 Aug 1918)

Born in Birkenhead, England on 21 November 1876, Herbert John Dawson was an associate professor at the Royal Military College and militia officer with the 14th (The Princess of Wales’ Own Rifles) Regiment since 1901. He was appointed lieutenant colonel in May 1915 when he began to organize the 59th Battalion from Eastern Ontario and Hull, Quebec.

A year later on arrival in England, the battalion was briefly attached to the 5th Training Brigade, whose colonel noted the Dawson seemed an efficient leader “but has felt compelled in this connection to do too much himself and not insist on those serving under him carrying out their manifest duties.” After the 59th was broken up in July 1916, Dawson was appointed to take over the 46th Battalion from Lieutenant Colonel Herbert Snell, Just as the battalion prepared to deploy to France, Snell had suffered nearly fatal injuries from a grenade explosion in a training accident.

A strict disciplinarian, Dawson was known for his cold personality and humourless disposition. At RMC, students referred to the professor as “Dismal Dawson.” Although many of the original 46th officers were disappointed that an outsider was appointed to command, they soon came to respect Dawson as an effective leader. A confidential report at the end of the war regarded him as “An outstanding Battalion Commander, both as regards interior economy and tactics in battle. Cool in action, a good leader, sound and good disciplinarian.”

As part of the 10th Infantry Brigade, 4th Division, the 46th saw some of the heaviest fighting on the Western Front. With a ninety percent casualty rate of killed and wounded, the unit earned the moniker the “Suicide Battalion.” Dawson received the Distinguished Service Order for gallantry during a daring reconnaissance mission while under fire, but after two years in the field, his health broke down in August 1918, requiring evacuation to hospital.

Corps commander Arthur Currie, who considered Dawson “one of the best Commanding Officers I have,” ordered him to take a rest. Major Jock Rankin assumed temporary command of the 46th in his absence. After a month’s leave Dawson wrote to the adjutant-general:

I came to England under orders received through Division. I came with the understanding that I would be temporarily employed in command of a Training Brigade, or some such unit, given a step in rank whilst so employed, and to retain my seniority in France. I was agreeable to such temporary employment for the sole reason that my health had suffered of late and I felt that I required a rest.

Preferring to return to France, Dawson rejoined the 46th in October. He remained with the battalion until the end of the war and received a D.S.O. Bar.

After demobilization, Dawson returned to RMC where he was promoted to professor of mathematics and then served as director of studies from 1922 until his death in Montreal on 18 September 1926. The 46th Battalion CEF – Year Book published that year paid tribute to the former commanding officer:

He was a Soldier! During its fighting history, he was in command of the 46th Bn., and no battalion ever went into action more confident that everything that could be foreseen had been provided for. Consequently, he was respected, trusted and obeyed and the proud record of the fighting battalion which he commanded stands as evidence of the sterling qualities of our CO.

It was not given to many who served under Col. Dawson to know the kindly, shy heart of the man, who concealed his sympathy under the mask of a stern discipline.

(46th Battalion CEF – Year Book, 1926, 3)

Thanks to Paul Marsden for sharing the information in Dawson’s militia personnel file: https://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/oocihm.lac_reel_t17679/232