James Lennox Dawson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Lennox Dawson
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| Born | 25 December 1891 Tillicoultry, Clackmannanshire |
| Died | 15 February 1967 (aged 75) Eastbourne, East Sussex |
| Buried |
Eastbourne Crematorium
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Unit | The Cameronians Royal Engineers Army Education Corps Indian Army Ordnance Corps |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
| Relations | James Dalgleish Pollock VC (second cousin) |
Colonel James Lennox Dawson was a very brave Scottish soldier. He was awarded the Victoria Cross (VC), which is the highest and most important award for bravery in the face of the enemy. This medal is given to soldiers from Britain and other Commonwealth countries. He was born on December 25, 1891, and passed away on February 15, 1967.
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A Brave Act: The Victoria Cross
James Lennox Dawson was 23 years old when he showed incredible bravery during the First World War. He was a corporal in the 187th Company of the Corps of Royal Engineers, which is part of the British Army.
His brave act happened on October 13, 1915, during the Battle of Loos in France. It took place at a place called Hohenzollern Redoubt. During a gas attack, the trenches where soldiers were hiding became filled with dangerous gas.
Corporal Dawson bravely put himself in danger, even though the enemy was shooting. He guided his fellow soldiers, called sappers, and helped clear the infantry (foot soldiers) out of the gas-filled trenches. He found three gas cylinders that were leaking. Without hesitation, he rolled them far away from the trench, still under heavy enemy fire. Then, he shot rifle bullets into them to let the gas escape safely. His amazing courage saved many soldiers from being harmed by the gas. For this heroic deed, he was awarded the Victoria Cross.
Life After the War
After the war, James Dawson continued his military career. In December 1916, he became an officer in the Royal Engineers. By 1919, he was a Major.
He then went to Glasgow University and earned a science degree. In 1920, he joined the Royal Army Educational Corps, which helps educate soldiers. Later, in 1931, he moved to the Indian Army Ordnance Corps. He eventually reached the high rank of colonel.
A Family of Heroes
Interestingly, James Lennox Dawson's second cousin, James Dalgleish Pollock, also received the Victoria Cross in the very same battle at Hohenzollern Redoubt! His cousin also saved many lives by bravely fighting German soldiers who had entered the British lines.
Both James Dawson and James Pollock were born in the small Scottish town of Tillicoultry. James Dawson's family moved to Alloa when he was eight. In 1915, both men were celebrated as local heroes in their hometowns. They were honored in special events that also encouraged more people to join the army.
Where is His Medal Now?
Today, James Lennox Dawson's Victoria Cross medal is kept by the University of Glasgow. This is where he studied and earned his degree. You can see his medal on display at the Hunterian Museum in Glasgow.
