DICKSON, Thomas Meiklejohn (1888-1958)
Thomas Meiklejohn Dickson was born on the 9 June 1888 at Yarroweh, the son of Robert Dickson and Anna nee Meiklejohn, of Inverleigh, Victoria. he was educated at Geelong College in 1905. At College he became a member of the 1st Football XVIII in 1906, 1907 and 1908; the 1st Cricket XI in 1905, 1906, 1907 and its Captain in 1908 and a School Prefect in 1908 the first year that College had Prefects.
He had become Principal of Scone Grammar School, New South Wales, when, during World War I, he enlisted (No 38332) on 16 May 1917. He embarked on SS Canberra on 16 November 1917 as a T/Corporal with the 32nd Australian Field Artillery Reinforcements, reverting to the rank of Gunner when he was posted to 13th Field Artillery Brigade in France in May 1918. Thomas Dickson was promoted again to T/Sgt on 16 December 1918.
He was granted nine months’ leave with pay from 4 March until 30 November 1919 under the Repatriation and Demobilisation Scheme, in order to study Law with the firm of Rexworthy, Barnard and Bonser, 90-91 Queen Street, Cheapside, London. He returned to Australia on HMT Berrima, embarking on 6 September 1919, and was demobilised on 13 December that year.
He died on 9 April 1958.
His brother, Robert Bruce Dickson (1890-1961), was also educated at Geelong College.
Sources: Geelong Collegians at the Great War compiled by James Affleck. pp.171-2 (citing Pegasus; National Archives).