1st Battalion, Coldstream Guards.

Awarded the Military Medal in the London Gazette of 28 September 1917.

Dawson was born at Cliviger, Lancashire in 1895 but was residing at Burnley, Lancashire at the outbreak of World War 1.

The Burnley Express of 26 October 1918 reported, PRISONERS AND WOUNDED. Mrs. James Reid of 30, Cuerdale Street, Burnley has received word that her brother, Private John D. Dawson, 12271, was wounded in the left shoulder and is now in hospital in Cardiff. This is the second time he has been wounded, and he was gassed in the battle of La Basse in March, 1915. The soldier is only 23 years of age, but he has served 3 years and eight months in France and Belgium. He won the Military Medal in July 1917. There is a brother in law serving in France who has been out over three years in France.

Dawson enlisted on the 10 September 1914 and went out to France on the 17 March 1915. He was discharged on the 4 March 1919 due to, 'gunshot wound to the left shoulder'. He also appears on the medal rolls for the award of the 1914/15 Star, British War and Victory Medals in addition to his Military Medal; he is also on the Silver War Badge List, CG/265 for the award of badge number B/169815.

John D. Dawson died at Burnley, Lancashire in September 1965.