Born at Essex, England, Methodist. Enlisted 15 March 1915 age 19, labourer. Nok brother, James Dawkins of 67 Ramug Drive Westcliffe on Sea, England. Permission to join the AIF was given by his guardian Arthur Dawkins Glen Iris Buckland St, Cottesloe Beach. Embarked at Fremantle 29 June 1915 per A11 Ascanius. Wounded 19 October 1915 at Gallipoli. He was in France when he was reported missing in action 16-18 November 1916 and confirmed to be a POW by a certificate in German dated 19 March 1917. He was hospitalised with general weakness at Wahn Laager. Upon repatriation to England after war’s end, most POWs were debriefed on their treatment as prisoners. On file is Dawkins’ statement. ‘At about 4 am in the morning of the 16th November 1916, we were holding an advanced trench, which we had taken over from the Tommies. I was detailed to act as Company runner and received a despatch to take back to Headquarters, which was about 800 yards distant. I delivered the message and was given a reply. On the way back I did not notice any bombardment. When I reached the trench I was challenged and found to my surprise I had walked into Fritz’s hands. Seemingly he had taken the position while I was away. Also I had not received any word from the trench I had passed through, that there had been a stunt of any nature. There were 9 in all taken prisoners, I do not know who was in charge of the party. I was taken to Dapaume and then to Cambrai, where I remained for six weeks. During the whole period I was unable to have a wash. I was drafted to a working party about 20 kilometres behind the line. Working behind the line with myself as prisoners of war were Private Armstrong 28th Battalion and Private Lobban of 32nd Battalion.’ Signed and witnessed. RTA per A14 Euripides April 1919. Discharged 20 June 1919. Service medals: 1914-1915 Star, BWM and VM. In 1925 when he applied for his medals his address was 10 Swan St, Cottesloe Beach.
