A message sent by General (Retired) Ramsey Withers regarding the death in Afghanistan of Captain Mathew Jonathan Dawe, one of the six Canadian soldiers killed in action on July 4, 2007
General Withers is a former Chief of the Defence Staff. He graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada in June, 1952 and along with most of his classmates was deployed straight to Korea. Ramsey was assigned as signals officer with the 1st Battalion of the Royal 22e Regiment.
While I grieve for all the families I am personally greatly sorrowed about the loss of Matt Dawe.
I say that because of the extraordinary example of contemporary devotion to duty of the Dawe family. I know it well.
Peter Dawe, his father, retired RCE LCol and Executive Director of the Royal Military Colleges Club, has devoted himself over life to service and inspired all his sons to do the same. His magnificent partner in life and mother of these fine sons, Reine, deserves equal admiration.
All the sons have chosen the Patricias for their commissions.
Not only is Matt an honoured Canadian, his family sets an example to the nation.
We will remember him.
Ramsey
______