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Eric, born on the 11th October 1903 in Millicent, was the oldest of three sons William Francis (Bill) and Allan Lindsay, and had two sisters Ida and Gladys. The family lived at Robe on the Limestone Coast of South Australia, an area known for its underground caves and rugged coastline. Eric’s parents were James Webber and Violet Helena Dawson. James and his brother were second generation butchers based in Robe, with Eric later also being involved.
The children all attending the local Robe School, having frequent competitions with nearby Blackford and Beachport Schools.
Eric enjoyed the rural life and the freedom to visit the local beaches and open areas. However, aged 21 Eric was driving his car and his 18-year-old brother, William was on a motorcycle when they collided in Robe. Not unexpectedly, William came off the worst, sustaining a fractured jaw and a broken leg, necessitating being taken to the local Millicent Hospital.
In a less spectacular incident, as a 30-year-old Eric proved to be a canny hunter of foxes which were a regular hazard to farmers in the area. A group of friends had designed a whistle as a decoy to attract and then eliminate the introduced hunters. In one foray the men had found 73 foxes and preserved their skins – a feat that made the Chronicle newspaper, including a photo in June ‘34. Eric continued to help in his father’s butcher shop and also work as a trapper, with farmers willing to pay skilled shooters to be rid of introduced vermin which were decimating their stock. Eric also enjoyed a range of local activities, including golf, being fortunate to win a bottle of Johnny Walker whisky at the inaugural annual Ball – a fitting reward for his capture of so many foxes, perhaps.
The following year Eric’s 60-year-old father, James died on the 13th May ’35. He had been unwell, but this was certainly a loss not only to the family, but the wider community. By this time, Eric had married Adelia Mary (Delila) with the two welcoming Ronald James in 1926 followed by Daisy and Erica in 1935.
However, by July ’41the effects of the war had certainly reached the peaceful shores of Robe. Six enemy mines had come ashore with one exploding near Baudin Rocks in Guichen Bay, and two others washed ashore. Others had probably exploded as they hit the local reefs. Eric was one of the locals who discovered a mine seven miles south of Robe and near Bishop's Pate. This was soon dismantled by an Adelaide naval party. The local Narracoorte Herald reported that ‘The horns were considerably battered, and the trap for allied shipping appeared to have been a "dud," although fully charged with high explosive. The other mine was dealt with previously. It is probable that the naval authorities will permit one of them to be retained at Robe as a war souvenir.’ A warning was immediately issued to locals about the danger and unpredictability of these mines if handled or approached.
Eric was months away from his 39th birthday when he enlisted on the 25th August ’42, undertaking his initial training at Wayville. In the confined quarters he contracted mumps and a related infection. By February ’44 he was transferred to the 25/33 Garrison Battalion and by the end of the year was based at Loveday Internment camp near Barmera where internees of German, Italian and Japanese descent were housed. In the productive soil, many fruits, vegetables and livestock were grown as well as opium poppies to send overseas to treat those fighting at the front.
In an horrific accident, Eric was one of four soldiers injured in an Army truck roll-over on the weekend of September 8th ’45. All four were taken to the Daws Road Military Hospital. The Advertiser of Monday 10th reported that Pte Eric James Dawson. 41. of Robe, was the most severely injured with a fractured skull: Lance-Cpl. Sydney Adbrook, 30.of Fullarton road. Fullarton; was also severely injured; Cpl. Charles Herbert Hodge 33, of Fifth street. Port Pirie sustained a broken nose and fractured thumb: Sgt. Archibald Kirk. 49, of Churchill street. Prospect, injured shoulder. Lance-Cpl. Adbrook and Pte.E. Dawson are on the seriously ill list.
The following day the News carried the tragic news ‘Death After Accident Private Eric James Dawson, 42, of Robe, who suffered a fractured skull in an Army motor truck accident at the weekend. died at Daws Road Military Hospital last night. Lance-Corporal Sydney Abrook 39. of Fullarton, who was also injured in the accident, is in a serious condition.
Local people in the close-knit town of Robe were devastated to hear Eric had been fatally injured.
Robe had been devastated to learn of the death of SX18775 Private Eric James Dawson. As a 38-year-old trapper, he had enlisted in August ’42 and became a Group III Butcher. By ’44 he was allocated to duties at the Loveday Interment Camp in the Riverland. In September the following year, he was one of four of the Loveday military forces on duty and travelling in a Dodge Semi-trailer. This overturned on the Tanunda to Gawler road via Sandy creek. Eric sustained a fractured skull, cerebral concussion and a fractured right clavicle, amongst other injuries, dying in the Daws Road Military Hospital two days later. His fellow traveller, Lance Corporal Adbrook was reported to be in a serious condition but survived, as did the other two men. A court of enquiry was held finding that the army driver was only authorised to drive in the Loveday area, however he was required to be with his vehicle and was responsible for it. It appeared that his driving was not the cause of the accident, as locals reported the corner was the site of many previous accidents. Eric was buried in Centennial Park Cemetery. Besides his widow, he left three children, Ron, Marguerite (Daisy) and Erica.
The family continued to remember and mourn Eric’s untimely and unnecessary death in the ensuing years.
News Tuesday 11 September 1945, DAWSON.-On September 10. at a Military Hospital. Adelaide (result of accident), Eric James beloved husband of Delia Mary Dawson. of Robe. and loving father of Ron. Daisy. and Erica. Aged 42 years.
MILITARY FUNERAL DAWSON.-The Friends of the late Private ERIC JAMES DAWSON are respectfully informed that his Funeral will Leave the Residence of his mother in-law. Mrs. W. F. McKenny; No. 16 Thornton street. Kensington, on WED NESDAY at 2.30 p.m. for the Centennial Park War Cemetery.
Advertiser Monday 17 September 1945, DAWSON.—On September 10. at military hospital. Adelaide (result of accident) Pte. Eric James Dawson A.I.F. son of Mrs. V. H. and late J. W Dawson. of Robe: brother of Allan. Bill. Ida Mrs. R. S. Cullen and Gladys Mrs. A. H. Backler, Longwood).
Advertiser Tuesday 10 September 1946, DAWSON.—In loving memory of our dear husband and father. Pte Eric J. Dawson. who passed away Adelaide Military Hospital on September 10. 1945. Memory's page turns back today.—lnserted by his wife and children, of Robe.
Advertiser Wednesday 10 September 1947, DAWSON.- In loving memory of a dear friend. Eric, killed on September 10, 1945. —Ever remembered by Bill and Una Millay.
Advertiser Friday 10 September 1948, DAWSON.—In memory of Eric and daddy, who passed away September 10. 1945. result of accident- Dearly loved and always remembered by his wife Delia and family. Ron, Daisy and Erica.

He is remembered at the Centennial Park cemetery in Plot P Row B Grave 2. Nearby is Sergeant R.D.A. O’Malley S1656 who served with him at Loveday and died on the 22nd July 45.
For Delia and the children, returned servicemen, John Edward Wakeman SX7689 of the 2/48th battalion, injured in the battle for El Alamein returned to Robe where he had worked as a farm hand pre-war. He and Delia married in October ’48 and had two sons. The whole family were particularly active in supporting the local RSL.
Written and researched by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.