I got to know Admiral Oscar Stanley Dawson about ten years ago when we had an opportunity to take him with us to the Republic Day "At Home" hosted by the Governor at Bangalore. It was a slick evening tea and being a first time at a Governor's home when Admiral Dawson guided us and introduced us affectionately to many of his aquaintances and officers. Nazarene and I chatted with him hesitatingly and we got a bit more relaxed on our way back. There is always a romantic appeal when you encounter a Chief of Defence and so we did listen to some of his experiences.
We met a couple of times socially at Church where each interaction was gracious and memorable.
One sultry morning in May that year I recieved a call where the voice at the other end said " can you join us for a dinner on Saturday ? " " I am Stanley Dawson here" Nazarene and I went over by 7: 45 pm or so when entered a full house.
The quiet lane in Fraser town was bursting with peals of music and song. We found several of Admiral's friends all accomplished musicians in their own right, one on the guitar another on the violin and some on the piano with others in unison singing the old retro favourites. The verve with which each sang was enchanting and joyous. The food was delicious and it was served in the choicest of spirit. Admiral Dawson and his sister Thelma were warm and hospitable to each of their guests. I remember having a scoop too many of the vanilla icecream with the proverbial Chocolate sauce.
Admiral iinvited us to listen to the Naval Band when they visited Bangalore that year and played at the IISC. Admiral was in rapt attention listening to the sailors play tune after tune. I particularly remember the haunting sound of the picolo played solo by a sailor. He greeted us with remembrance and told us he was glad we came.
I met Admiral again at a funeral of the spouse of a HR Colleague at the St. John's Church and then we lost touch as we moved out of Bangalore.
On a bright Sunday morning in April 2007 we saw Admiral Dawson at the St. Thomas' Cathedral, Mumbai. Several members were greeting him after service. Nazarene and I walked up to him and greeted him with a view to tell him of our earlier meetings, we were pleasantly surprised to be remembered by him, He did cut a joke on Human Resource persons with Nazarene and my late Father in Law Kaushal. When we went to say bye to him he asked us to go with him to the Naval Officers Mess at Colaba. We agreed and followed him to the top most floor of his Guest room at the Mess. The view was fantastic with the Arabian sea on either side and a nice breeze blowing even the tuft on my pate.
He listened attentively to our Children and despite our anxiety to ensure " good behaviour" he allowed them to be free and narrated " war stories" to our son. The children got to sample their choices from the mess as well. Admiral shared his concern for people with disability and his vision for the artificial limb center. We were happy we could give our mite as well on listening to him.
Admiral touched our family in a quiet and affectionate manner. Relating to another as human touches the core. Admrial did that in a very unobtrusive manner. A veteran of many battles both at sea and board room he was gentle and warm as much as he was astute and brave.
Farewell Admiral Dawson and I surmise our short meetings as " the music in my heart I bore long after it was heard no more!"
