'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During the operations in front of Havrincourt Wood, between 12th and 14th September 1918, Private Dawson was in charge of the forward Brigade Ammunition Dump. The Dump was under persistent and heavy shelling fire the whole time, and on two occasions a portion of it was blown up. Private Dawson was continually out in this heavy shell fire, detonating bombs, and supervising the issue of Ammunition to the Battalions. His courage and devotion to duty were of the very highest order, and his excellent work at the dump, largely assisted the Battalions to maintain their position against several determined counter attacks.'
Source: London Gazette
Date: 11 February 1919

Regimental number	11432
Occupation	Farmer
Next of kin	Mother, Mrs H M Dawson, Oparau, Kawhia
Rank on embarkation	Private
Unit name	New Zealand Expeditionary Force, 12th Reinforcements (1st Draft), Auckland Infantry Battalion, A Company
Embarkation details	Unit embarked from Wellington on board Ulimaroa on 1 May 1916
Final rank	Private
Final unit	2nd Battalion, Auckland Infantry Regiment (attached to Headquarters, 1st New Zealand Infantry Brigade)
Medals	Military Medal 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During the operations in front of Havrincourt Wood, between 12th and 14th September 1918, Private Dawson was in charge of the forward Brigade Ammunition Dump. The Dump was under persistent and heavy shelling fire the whole time, and on two occasions a portion of it was blown up. Private Dawson was continually out in this heavy shell fire, detonating bombs, and supervising the issue of Ammunition to the Battalions. His courage and devotion to duty were of the very highest order, and his excellent work at the dump, largely assisted the Battalions to maintain their position against several determined counter attacks.' Source: London Gazette Date: 11 February 1919
Sources	Nominal Roll Vol. 2: Roll 30, p. 3