John William was born in Newhey, Lancashire in 1897 (between October and December), to Robert and Emma Dawkes.

In 1901, he is living with his parents at 4 Prop Street, Newhey. Robert (28) is a woollen weaver, from Rochdale, Lancashire. His mother Emma (30, of Newhey, Lancashire) is at home with his younger brother Herbert (1) and him.

In 1911, he is living with his parents at 129 Crompton Fold, working as a cotton little piecer. Robert (38) is a cotton cardroom folder carrier, Lancashire. His mother Emma (40) is at home with his school-aged younger brother Herbert (11) and sisters Sarah (8) and Eva (5).

John William enlisted in Shaw, he was 18215, in the King's Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment), later transferring to the East Lancashire Regiment, no. 30238.

Rising to Corporal, he died aged 20, killed in action.

Oldham Chronicle, 13th September 1919, states:

PRESUMED KILLED

Corporal J. W. Dawkes, 2nd East Lancashire Regiment, of 129, Buckstones-road, Shaw, reported missing since March 21, 1918, is now presumed to have been killed. Before joining the army in March 1915, he was a piecer at Elm Mill, Shaw. He was actively associated with St. Saviour's Church, Shaw.

Jonathan Cook