Stained glass artist William Montgomery forwarded an estimate of 90 guineas to the mother of Keith Dawson on 2 September 1919, which was apparently acceptable as it was followed by a sketch of the three-light window later the same month. Montgomery made several changes to the gestures and wrote to confirm the Latin quotation [?] and the placement of the AIF Badge. On Easter morning, 1920, the vicar, the Reverend EH Hennell, dedicated the window given by Captain K.D.C. Dawson, who was then serving in India, 'as a thank-offering to God for recovery from wounds and for life preserved'. It was an interesting and happier departure from most soldier memorials that commemorated the dead. An account for £94.10.0 was issued on 29 March 1920 and paid by cheque four days later. It is not known whether Captain Dawson attended the service however he certainly had an opportunity to see it shortly afterwards as he was on extended leave in Melbourne in 1920.
Lieutenant Keith Cyril Darlington Dawson embarked for the Middle East on HMAT Euripides from Melbourne on 8 May 1915 and proceeded to Gallipoli with 24 Battalion on 30 August. Despite contracting influenza, appendicitis and typhoid fever, all in 1915, and tonsillitis in early 1916, he rejoined his battalion in France and was Mentioned in Despatches on several occasions. Soon afterwards he transferred to 23 Battalion and was promoted to Captain. He was wounded in action in May 1917, suffering 'mild' gunshot wounds to the face. After further action with his unit he proceeeded to England to take up a Commission in the Indian Army and was discharged from the AIF on 12 February 1918. He continued his career in the Indian Army with 57th Wilde's Rifles (Frontier Force), rising to the rank of Brigadier before his retirement.
References & Acknowledgements
NAA : B2455, Dawson KCD; Church of England Messenger, Vol.52, No.824, 16 April 1920, p.189; Montgomery Letterbooks 1/918, 1/929, 1/958 NGA Research Collection, Canberra ACT.Folio 139, Montgomery ledger William Montgomery Collection State Library of Victoria.
