222, Lieut Leslie DADSON MC & 2 Bars
12th Battalion AIF
Awarded Military Cross – 18th June 1917
At Boursies, France, on 9th April 1917, for conspicuous gallantry in the face of the enemy. Lieut. Dadson led two platoons of his company in an attack under very heavy fire on the enemy’s trenches with such dash that the position was taken with slight loss, two machine guns being captured and a number of the enemy slain. The personal bravery of this officer was largely responsible for the success of this minor operation.
Awarded Bar to Military Cross – 15th June 1917
For initiative and pluck in the face of odds and splendid example to his men. At Lagnicourt at dawn on 15th April when the reinforcement. Dadson was in charge of his Coy. Picquet line when the Coy. On his left fell back owing to sheer weight of numbers he collected about 20 men and took them out and formed a protecting flank personally directing their fire and showing a cheerful and fearless spirit. Although hard pressed he would not give the order to retire, and on one occasion, the enemy actually reached the picquet and Lieut Dadson, when seized by a German drew his revolver and shot him. The picquet stood its ground and drove the enemy back, owing to his pluck, tenacity and personal example.
Awarded 2nd Bar to Military Cross – 1st February 1919
Near Lihonson 11th August 1918 while in command of his company in the front line of the attack displayed judgement and skill in conducting the attack on an exceptionally strong enemy position in Auger Wood. This wood was full of machine guns and considerable numbers of enemy riflemen. Lieutenant Dadson directed the attack with cool skill and to such good effect that this strong position was carried with a rush and prevented impeding the advance in other parts of the line. Special parties were told to rush machine gunners from whatever direction they fired. So successful was this method that the company captured 15 guns killing or capturing the teams in every case. In the passage of the wood the company took three field guns which were also in action. The great merit of Lieut Dadson’s action was that he instantly appreciated the dangerous possibilities of this wood which had held up an advance by another Battalion two days earlier and carried it with a fierce attack, well conducted, and attended with few casualties. Throughout the operation his work was way beyond praise.
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National Archives – Service Record
Further Reading – 12th Battalion
Lt Dadson was my grandmother’s brother
Lt Leslie Dadson MC and 2 bars was my Grandmother’s brother