Dawson, the last SA survivor of the Timeless Test in Durban, was a fine medium-pace bowler and a useful lower-order batsman. He represented Natal and Border, played 75 first-class matches, scoring 3,804 runs at an average of 34.58. He struck six centuries and 20 half-centuries. He took 123 wickets, including three five-wicket hauls. Before he came to prominence on the cricket field, he had a distinguished record in World War II. He served with the Royal Durban Light Infantry at the Battle of El Alamein and later won a Military Cross in Italy.

After the end of his cricket career, Dawson became chairperson of John Orrs until his retirement in 1984. He passed away, aged 89, at his home in Umhlang.