Admiral Dawson was truly a different spirit: Associates

Admiral Dawson next to his love – 1961 model Austin Cambridge. His close friend B.G. Koshi told The New Indian Express that the Admiral had often tough time in finding spares for the car, forcing him to go behind local mechanics to get them manufactured.
Photo Courtesy: Thelma Dawson

By Anantha Krishnan M

Bangalore: Friends, relatives, musicians, serving and retired armed forces officials and scientists went down memory lane capturing their fond memories and contributions made by their beloved sailor Admiral Dawson. They say his administration skills, vision, care for fellowmen, love for music and philanthropic deeds are characteristics that made Admiral Dawson truly a different spirit.

A visionary & inspiring leader: Navy | Commander-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, Kochi, Vice Admiral K.N. Sushil told The New Indian Express from Kochi that Dawson was an inspiring military leader and visionary helmsman for the Navy. “As he rest his oars, the Navy remembers him in gratitude for his great contributions to the growth of the Indian Navy. A lot of what we see in the Navy today was the result of his vision including the INA at Ezhimala,” Vice Admiral Sushil said.Former Vice Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral (Retd) Ram Pream Suthan says that Admiral Dawson will be remembered for a long time for his uprightness. “He was a very straight officer, who pioneered in building the infrastructure for the Indian Navy. He had great leadership qualities,” Suthan said.

Simple man: Lamba | To Air Vice-Marshal (Retd) Ajit Lamba, former Commandment, Aircraft System Testing Establishment (ASTE), Bangalore, Admiral Dawson was a very simple. “He was a gentleman to the core and was a very talented officer. We will all miss him for a long time to come,” said Lamba, the father-figure for the flying fraternity said.

Man with a mission: MoD | “It is a great loss to India and the defence fraternity in particular with the demise of Admiral Dawson. He was a man with a great mission and always carried inspiring thoughts,” Sitanshu Kar, Ministry of Defence, Principal Spokesperson, New Delhi, told this paper, over the phone.

A great institution: Doctor | The doctors and nursing staff at the Command Hospital, Bangalore, say that Admiral Dawson was a great fighter even during his last days. “He was a legend and an institution himself with great integrity. He was a source of inspiration for all the men in uniform. His philanthropic deeds will be missed by many,” says Air Vice Marshal Anil Behl, Commandant, Command Hospital.

We will miss the musical nites: Friend | For Samual Samson, music teacher with the Cathedral School, Admiral Dawson was a father-figure. “He encouraged lots of musicians and even played along with them on his favourite Broadwood piano. The Admiral Dawson Rolling Trophy for achievers is a sought-after award at Royal School of Music in London. We will miss the evening parties,” says Samson.

(The Admiral's body was buried with military hours in Bangalore on Oct. 25. R.I.P.)