Lawson Dillabough was born in Selkirk in 1916. He enlisted with the 4th Princess Louise Dragoon Guards. Lawson was reported missing in 1944, and was later reported killed in action.
Early Life
Lawson Dillabough was born on November 24th, 1916 in Selkirk.
After moving to Winnipeg, he worked at the Defence Industries Limited in Transcona as a Nitro-cellulose operator. The explosives manufactured at the plant were used in the Second World War effort. Lawson married Mary Elizabeth in Selkirk on May 20th, 1938. They had four children Lawson, Merlin, David and Heather.
Military Career
Lawson enlisted with the 4th Princess Louise Dragoon Guards, R.C.I.C. on the 16th of November, 1943. He was shipped overseas to Italy in June of 1944. During a battle, Lawson was shot in the head by an enemy sniper, but the bullet did not kill him. The bullet grazed his scalp and exited the back of his helmet. Speaking about the experience after the battle and looking at the damage done to his scalp, he said,
“I guess I might make a new part in my hair.”
Lawson was reported missing December 17th, 1944, and was later reported killed in action. He is buried at the Cassino War Cemetery in Italy.
Lawson Dillabough Collection
Click on images to enlarge
Striving for Provincial Softball Title, 1943, Winnipeg Tribune
Sources
Collene Dillabough Phone Interview, 2021
Canadian Virtual War Memorial
The Winnipeg Tribune, 1944, 1945
