Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Biography of John Dewar (1881 – 1946)

Life Before the War
John Dewar, a devout Presbyterian, was raised in Gorbals, Scotland, an area with a rich social history south of Glasgow. The name "Gorbals" is thought to have origins in a leper colony where kind-hearted individuals would leave food for the less fortunate after ringing the "gory bells." Dewar's journey took him far from his Scottish roots, as he, along with his father, mother (known as Mrs. H. S. Dewar, his next of kin), and younger brother, Robert Brodie Dewar, emigrated to Fremantle, Western Australia, residing at 111 Forrest Street. There, he worked as a clerk, a role involving administrative tasks, record-keeping, and paperwork. His occupation as a clerk suggests a background in administrative work, basic education, and likely a history of stable employment in civilian settings. These early chapters of John Dewar's life in Western Australia set the stage for his future, which would soon be deeply intertwined with the unfolding events of a world at war as his experience as a clerk benefitted him as a soldier by honing administrative skills, enabling him to efficiently handle paperwork and maintain records.

On August 2, 1915, in Perth, that John Dewar answered the call of duty. At 33 years old, his enlistment papers described his physical attributes: fair complexion, blue eyes, light brown hair, a distinctive vaccine mark on his left centre breast, a height of 172 centimetres, and a weight of 60 kilograms.

Dewar was assigned to the 11th Infantry Battalion, formed in Western Australia. It was gathered at Blackboy Hill and was one of the initial infantry units raised for the First Australian Imperial Force (AIF), comprising volunteers. His brother enlisted a year later to the Divisional Ammunition Column 3.

John Dewar embarked from Fremantle on board HMAT A38 Ulysses on the 2nd of November 1915 and in early 1916, sailed to Alexandria, Egypt on the Empress of Britain. From there, they travelled by train to bivouac at Tall al Kabir, receiving 367 reinforcements from Australia and undertaking defensive duties around Gebel Habieta, guarding the Suez Canal. On February 29th, as part of the AIF's reorganization and expansion, the 11th Battalion provided personnel to the 51st Battalion, transferring even-numbered sections to the new unit, including John Dewar, aiming to bolster the Australian forces and adapt them for the challenges they faced on the Western Front in France. In March 1916, he embarked for France, where he underwent weeks of training programs, including physical exercises, drill classes, and musketry. Dewar's role mainly encompassed section and platoon training, involving arms drill, bayonet fighting, and rapid loading, preparing him for the rigors of frontline duty.

He was then transferred to the 4th Divisional Ammunition Column (DAC) on April 19th, a key component of the Australian Army during World War I responsible for delivering crucial artillery support to the AIF. Its role was to provide firepower that softened enemy positions, protected Australian troops, and contributed to the success of both offensive and defensive operations on the battlefield. Here, he did much training and assumed the role of acting Gunner. However, in August 1916, Dewar faced a medical setback, being diagnosed with the highly contagious bacterial infection known as diphtheria while stationed in France. From here, his journey through the medical system began.

Diphtheria presented a serious threat to soldiers due to the close quarters in which they lived and fought. Upon diagnosis, Dewar was promptly transported to a Field Ambulance, a frontline medical unit responsible for providing immediate care and assessment to soldiers in combat zones. These mobile medical units were equipped to provide initial evaluation, stabilization, and treatment and often consisted of medical officers, nurses, and support staff who worked tirelessly to ensure the well-being of injured or ill soldiers. Their tasks included diagnosing illnesses, administering basic medical care, and determining the next steps for treatment.

Dewar recovered fast and was appointed acting bomber on September 9th, but on September 23rd, he contracted diphtheria once more while stationed in Boulogne, France. Consequently, he was transported from a field ambulance in France to a hospital in England through a series of stages involving initial treatment in the field ambulance, transfer to a casualty clearing station, transportation via ambulance trains and specialized hospital ships for the Channel crossing, and finally, admission to the No 3 Australian Auxiliary Hospital (3rd AAH) in Dartford. Away from the rigors of active service, this was for further medical care and treatment because England had more advanced medical facilities and specialized care available, offering a range of medical services, from surgery and rehabilitation to specialized care for various ailments.

Recovery from diphtheria could be a lengthy process, and Dewar required extended hospitalization for monitoring and supportive care as his hospitalization extended for more than four months, suggesting the severity of his condition and the need for a prolonged recovery period.

Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that can lead to the formation of a thick, grayish membrane in the throat, which can block the airway. To treat this, medical personnel took measures to clear the airway and help Dewar’s breath. These interventions might have included suctioning the airway and providing respiratory support if necessary or antitoxin therapy in which antitoxin was administered to patients to neutralize the toxins produced by the diphtheria bacteria.

Eventually, as Dewar's health improved, he was granted furlough based on medical assessments and the need for recovery, which provided him with temporary leave from his military duties. Furlough was a respite from the rigors of military service, allowing soldiers to recuperate and spend time away from the front lines. It was a crucial aspect of Dewar’s well-being, providing a brief reprieve from the stresses and hardships of war.

Eventually, on April 21st, 1918, Dewar was promoted to temporary bombardier whilst in Tidworth and until the ending of World War 1 with the defeat of the Central Powers, John Dewar was attached for duty with the Bombardier of the Reserve Brigade Australian Artillery.

John Dewar's journey from diagnosis to treatment, hospitalization, and eventual furlough illustrates the intricate medical processes and the challenges faced by soldiers dealing with serious illnesses during World War I. His recovery was a testament to the dedication and expertise of medical personnel and the importance of medical facilities in supporting the well-being of servicemen.

After the war

He was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, and Victory Medal for his service, medals that celebrated his commitment to the Allied cause.

John Dewar returned to Australia on 11 December 1918, and was discharged on 18th March 1919.

The 11th Infantry Battalion, where Dewar served, disbanded in 1919 but later reactivated and recombined as a reserve force. Dewar contributed to society after his discharge but passed away on June 27, 1946, aged 65, marking the end of a life deeply influenced by World War I and illness. John Dewar is commemorated at two memorials, the Fremantle D & J Fowler Ltd. Staff Memorial and the Fremantle Scots Church Honour Roll, where his legacy and the sacrifices of that era are remembered.