Major-General Sir David Dawnay KCVO CB DSO

David Dawnay was born on 10 July 1903, the son of Major the Hon Hugh Dawnay who was killed at Ypres in 1914. His Grandfather was 8th Viscount Downe who commanded the 10th Hussars from 1887 to 1892 and was Colonel from 1912 to 1924. David’s mother was Lady Susan de la Poer Beresford, daughter of the 5th Marquess of Waterford. He was educated at Eton, and after RMA Sandhurst he was commissioned into the 10th Hussars in 1924. In 1930 the regiment were stationed in Meerut where David played in the regimental polo team. In 1936 he represented Britain in the Olympic polo team which won the silver medal.
In World War 2 he held several command positions culminating in the command of 26th Armoured Brigade in 1945. He won the DSO in 1943 and a bar in 1945. After the war he was posted to Venice and more command positions until 1951 when he was appointed Commandant of RMA Sandhurst, up until 1954. When he retired he held important posts at Ascot including Clerk of the Course. He also co-wrote the history of the 10th Hussars in World War Two. On 14 March 1962 he was appointed Colonel of the 10th Hussars, a position he held until they were amalgamated on 25 Oct 1969. He was appointed Knight Commander, Royal Victorian Order so that he was addressed as Sir David Dawnay.
In 1926 he married his cousin, Lady Katharine Nora de la Poer Beresford and they had two daughters and two sons. One of the sons was Major Hugh Dawnay also a well-known polo player, and his grandson Sebastian became a professional polo player. Sir David Dawnay died on 9 October 1971. The photo is taken from the regimental journal of December 1932. Captain Dawnay at the Lucknow Horse Show with his horse 'Southern Cross', winner Heavy Weight Polo Ponies. He also won the Middle Weight Polo Ponies with his bay Australian 'Beauty'.

Regimental Details | Colonels