Mexborough and Swinton Times October 13, 1917

Mexborough Musician
Well-Known Bandmaster Dies in France

On Thursday news was received by Mrs Dawson of Wellington St, Mexborough of the death of her husband, Mr Lewis Dawson, in a French hospital.

Mr Dawson joined the army in the spring of 1915, and was for some time stationed in Sunderland. Being a musician he was placed in the band there. Subsequently he went to France in connection with the ambulance section of the York and Lancaster Regiment, and rendered excellent service. He served abroad 17 months and had recently been promised “leave.”

He wrote home to say “he felt as happy as a schoolboy at the thought of getting home again to see them all.” But the leave was cancelled much to his disappointment. News was received some days ago that he was seriously ill in hospital, but subsequently it was stated in a military message that he had succumbed to tuberculosis.

Much sympathy is fell for the widow and her two sons, as well for the other relatives. The deceased was a son of the late John Dawson, the well-known local musician. The son had inherited his father’s musical talent, and was conductor of of the Railway Subscription Price Band and afterwards of the Ambulance Main Band.

He was aged 36 and before the recruitment was employed at the Manvers Main colliery.

The sad news of his death will be received with profound regret by a host of friends.