Lieutenant-Colonel Robert William Palliser Dawson

 

Unit : Headquarters, No.4 Commando

Service No. : 130068

Awards : Distinguished Service Order

 

Formerly of the Loyal Regiment.

 

Colonel Dawson fought his way to the Commando objective and captured the Ouistreham Battery despite heavy casualties suffered in street fighting on the way. No artillery support was available as both the Commando Forward Observation Officer and Forward Observation Bombardment became early casualties. Colonel Dawson was himself twice wounded during the course of the battle, but refused to relinquish his command. It was due to his leadership and direction that the attack was successfully pressed home.

 

Lieutenant-Colonel Dawson, as a result of his wounds, was evacuated from the battlefield on the 6th June.

 

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