Wg Cdr Hugh Lowther DAWSON DFC

[BrianC]

Hi guys

Former Wg Cdr Flying at RAF Hornchurch (1941); posted to Malta (1942) as CO RAF Hal Far; volunteered to fly clandestine nocturnal missions over Sicily in black-painted Hurricane, dropping canisters to agents. Awarded DFC.

Has anyone a photograph/scan of him?

The Hurricane he flew in Malta was dubbed 'Dawson's Folly'; has anyone a photograph?

Does anyone know the serial number?

I assume that he had operational experience before taking command of the Hornchurch Wing. Any information?

Any help appreciated, please.


Stay safe, take care
Brian

[Chris Goss]

34148 was his service number and he retired in Feb 59 (pre-war officer as well). Didn't get the DFC until 6 Oct 42 but can see very little else about him prior to Malta

[Col Bruggy]

Brian,

One (34148) P/O Hugh Lowther Dawson is mentioned as being a member of No.57 (B) Sqn RAF, in March of 1935:

https://57squadron.wordpress.com/between-the-wars/ (p.22 of 38 PDF).

Brief mention of a F/Lt H. L. Dawson, here:

https://discovery.nationalarchives.g...ls/r/C16359500

Oxford I L9654 -
8 FTS 3.2.39 (became 8 SFTS 3.9.39).
8 SFTS.
Failed to take-off from Montrose due to frost and hit signal box 17.10.39.
Damaged Beyond Repair.

See: The Oxford, Consul & Envoy File/Hamlin/A-B,2001/p.71.

A tad more on your man:

http://nzetc.victoria.ac.nz/tm/schol...2-2RAF-c9.html - scroll down to W/Cdr H. L. Dawson DFC (2 mentions - pp.8-9 of 55 PDF).

Col.

[BrianC]

Thanks Chris & Col

I can't find any reference to Dawson being a Wing Leader at Hornchurch. Is this misinformation?

Stay safe
Brian

[Chris Goss]

Seems strange when he was a bomber pilot/instructor but the Hornchurch ORB will say

[JohnE]

According to the book "Hornchurch Offensive" by Richard Smith, Dawson was Wing Commander Flying at Hornchurch Wing from 4th of December 1941 to 16th of January 1942.

He was later Commander of 2 Ferry Unit from December 1944 to May 1945 when he was posted to 249 Wing.

John Engelsted

[Bruce Lander]

Hi,

Dawson is noted as Wing Leader Hornchurch in "Raiders Approach" also.

I originally thought he was H.C.Dawson who was C/O of 607 Squadron for a short period in late 1941.

Bruce Lander

[Chris Goss]

I wonder why he lasted just over a month? Very few ops would have been flown during that time.

[JohnE]

@Bruce.

I think you are right. H.C Dawson was posted from 607 Squadron to Hornchurch on the 3rd of December 1941 so it fits the timeframe.

John Engelsted