McDONALD, James Dawson (1886-1919)Born 21 August 1886, James Dawson McDonald was the son of Donald McDonald and Jane Emma nee Beasley, of Werna, Camperdown.
 (War Service 1914-1918).JPG)
J D McDonald (McDonald Family).
Educated at Geelong College, entering in 1902, he enlisted (No. 1204) in the AIF on 12 July 1915. He embarked for Egypt with the 8th Reinforcements for 4th Light Horse, and served through the campaign there, in one letter home he wrote:
‘We are bivouacked between Khan Yunus and Gaza, and Jacko is putting up a good fight at Gaza, our lot have tried to take it twice but have failed, but our regiment was not in the fight. Yesterday we were out looking for Turkish cavalry but only saw a few and captured half a dozen but they hit one of our lads in the hand and shot a horse so our casualties were light. Today all the mounted troops are out on one of the flanks driving the Turkish outposts in, our regiment is left in camp on reserve. I suppose we had too big a day yesterday and our horses want a spell, you would think if you saw us go out that we were out for about six months, the quantity of gear we carry.’ He was invalided home on 5 October 1918, and died at his home at Camperdown on 12 February 1919, as reported in
Pegasus of August 1920:
'We regret to announce the death of Sergeant-Major James Dawson McDonald who was invalided after his service with the AIF in Palestine and Egypt'.The Camperdown Chronicle carried the following obituary on 13 February 1919:
‘A death that will cause universal regret in Camperdown and district took place yesterday of Squadron Sergeant Major James Dawson McDonald, 32 years of age, who was known and esteemed throughout this district. He was a native of Camperdown and had spent all his life with his parents at Werna up to the time of his enlistment. He was a young man who by reason of his sterling traits won the admiration of all who knew him and there will be many sad hearts at his untimely death. He early responded to the Empire’s call for help, joining the colours in June 1915, and embarking on August 21 of that year (on HMAT A55 Kyarra). He saw service on Gallipoli, where he remained until the Evacuation, and in Egypt and Palestine. He was in the charge made by the 4th Light Horse Regiment at Beersheba, when he was SSM of C Troop, A Squadron. Eventually he was invalided home and arrived back on October 5, 1918. Since that time the late Sergeant McDonald has suffered much. Some time ago he underwent an important operation in which three medical men participated. Afterwards he rallied to an extent, and hopes were entertained of his recovery but, despite every care and attention, he passed away yesterday as stated. With his demise passes one of the most estimable of young men, and one his country could ill afford to lose.' He is buried in the Camperdown Cemetery, Presbyterian Section, Row 13, Grave 23.
Sources: Based on an edited extract from Geelong Collegians at the Great War compiled by James Affleck. pp69-70 (citing Australian War Memorial; Pegasus; Camperdown Chronicle 13 February 1919; Photo McDonald Family.)