f a m i l y Children with: Margaret Elizabeth McGrady Siblings: Clarence George (Dido) Dawson Doris Louise (Dolly) Dawson Gladys May Dawson Bernard Herbert Dawson John Seymour (Jack) Dawson Lily Ella (Lil) Dawson Florence Winifred Dawson Children: Jean Margaret Dawson John Anthony Dawson Alan Michael Dawson Harold Vincent Dawson Born: 5 Feb 1908, Smethwick Married to Margaret Elizabeth McGrady Died: 9 Dec 2007, Redditch Hospital Occupation: Upholsterer - Birmingham Hospital Lived at 449 Moor Green Lane, Moseley 51 Bournville Lane, Stirchley 192 Cock Lane, Northfield Moved to 81 Cliff Rock Road in 1930 He was a keen gardener, working his garden and two allotments which significantly helped to feed his 3 children - Jean, John and Alan - during the war years. Each year Margaret and Harry bought and reared 12 day-old chicks. In those days the chickens were delivered by British Rail to Longbridge or Barnt Green station. There were usually two cockerels in the batch and these were fed and eaten at Christmas and in the New Year. Produce from the allotments and garden were exhibited at local flower and vegetable shows where he was a regular prize winner. He frequently won the best-maintained allotment at The Leys Allotment Association in Rubery. He was a very active participant of the Association, being show secretary in 1959. He was involved in assembling the Association's vegetable displays for the Handsworth Flower Show where they regularly received prizes. Harry's front and rear gardens were always a picture, with spring and summer displays each year. His seeds were germinated in a home-constructed greenhouse where he also grew tomatoes. By trade Harry was an upholsterer, working at Longbridge Car Plant. During the war he upholstered aircraft seats. He also served in the Home Guard, Longbridge branch (43rd Batallion Warwickshire Home Guard). He was on parade for Lord Austin's funeral. In 1946 he upholstered the rear seat of the millionth car to be made at Longbridge - an Austin 16. After a scout group had been formed at Longbridge Methodist Church, Harry volunteered to maintain the scout camping equipment. He manufactured a canvas shelter from ex-army tenting equipment in order to house the camp kitchen. This shelter also served as a stall at Birmingham Scout Rallies. His sewing was done with a Singer Treadle machine bought second-hand in the early 1930s. He was actively doing his own decorating and maintaining his garden up to the age of 95, just prior to moving into Breme House where he still managed a little gardening.