Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

DAWSON Michael Dean RANR MB BS

1920-1988

Michael Dean Dawson was born in Adelaide on 24th March 1920; he was the younger son of Dr Dean Dawson and Lorna, nee Deeley, of Hyde Park, SA.  His father, a medical practitioner, served in Egypt and France during WW1 and played football for the Norwood Football Club.  Dawson was educated at St Peter’s College, Adelaide, and studied medicine at the University of Adelaide, graduating MB BS in 1942. His older brother, Geoffrey Dean Dawson, served as Wing Commander in the RAAF in WW2.

Dawson was appointed surgeon lieutenant in the RANR on 7th May 1943 and was mobilised for service on the 25th May 1944 to HMAS Cerberus. His mother, Lorna, was nominated as his next of kin and they were living at 1 Wellington Square, North Adelaide, SA. Dawson served in several shore establishments and finally served at sea in HMAS Australia.  While he was onboard, in January 1945, she was subjected to repeated suicide attacks by Japanese Kamikaze planes. Australia was hit on 5th, 6th, 8th and 9th January 1945. Captain Emile Frank Verlaine Dechaineux, who, along with twenty-nine other officers and sailors, were killed and one officer and sixty-eight ratings wounded. This was the Australia’s last action in WW2.  Dawson was one of three medical officers on the Australia, and he was Mentioned in Despatches in May 1945. The citation read; For great devotion to duty and fortitude in the care of wounded while serving in HMAS Australia.  He visited family and friends during a visit of Australia to Adelaide, in February 1946. His service was terminated on 18th September 1946.

After his war service, Dawson undertook two months post discharge training, at the University of Adelaide, in February 1947, followed by general practice in Strathalbyn, SA. Dawson married Mary Helen Wishart of Toorak, Victoria, on 2nd September 1950, at St John’s Church, Toorak.  She was the daughter of Rear Admiral John Webster Wishart CB CBE OBE and Jessie Helena, nee Couston.  The widow of Captain Dechaineux was a guest at the wedding, together with Dr and Mrs Charlton Yeatman and Dr and Mrs Escourt Hughes. Dawson was a keen cricketer and scored a century for Strathalbyn in December 1950. Dawson and his wife had a daughter born in 1951 and a son in 1953. He then moved to a practice in Woodville, SA. Michael Dean Dawson died on 1st April 1988 survived by his wife and children. 

Source

Blood, Sweat and Fears III: Medical Practitioners South Australia, who Served in World War 2. 

Swain, Jelly, Verco, Summers. Open Books Howden, Adelaide 2019. 

Uploaded by Annette Summers AO RFD