Orders, Decorations and Medals

A North West Europe M.M. group of five awarded to Lance-Sergeant H. V. Dawson, 10th Battalion, Highland Light Infantry

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (5187671 L.Sjt., H.L.I.); 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals, sold with original portrait photograph and Disabled Persons Employment application form,very fine (5) £400-500

M.M. London Gazette 1 March 1945: ‘5187671 Lance-Sergeant Harold Victor Dawson, The Highland Light Infantry. ‘On 27th September, Lance-Sergeant Dawson was selected to carry out a particularly hazardous patrol in the area of Donderonk. The ground was close, abounding in ditches in which the enemy had made excellent fire positions which were very hard to locate. Lance-Sergeant Dawson was ordered to take out a patrol of four men to capture at least one of the enemy in order to obtain an identification.

His first contact was with nine enemy whom he skilfully surprised from the rear and who, after a short encounter surrendered to him. Having thus achieved his object, he disarmed the prisoners and while doing so an enemy sniper not previously located opened fire. Lance-Sergeant Dawson dealt with this sniper successfully. The result of the shooting was to arouse a previous unlocated enemy machine gun post which opened fire with the object of preventing the return of the patrol. Lance-Sergeant Dawson, in spite of the encumbrance of nine prisoners, ordered his patrol into fire position from which the enemy could be engaged. Without thought for his personal safety and with the greatest coolness under heavy and accurate fire he manoeuvred his patrol and wiped out the enemy post. He then disengaged his party and returned to battalion Headquarters without loss. There he gave a most excellent and concise report containing much valuable information. This information, supplemented by that obtained from his prisoners, proved invaluable in subsequent patrolling which had to be carried out on this front.

Lance-Sergeant Dawson’s leadership and calmness in danger was the success of this hazardous patrol. His aggressive attitude and keenness to seek out the enemy and destroy them was a fine example of courage and determination which was followed by his men.’

According to Dawson’s Disabled Persons Employment application form, he received gunshot wounds in his legs in October 1944, necessitating the fitment of a plastic kneecap to his right leg.