Background
Alan Dawtry was born on April 8, 1915 in Sheffield, England; the son of Melancthon and Kate Nicholas (Kevan) Dawtry.
Alan Dawtry (front row, second from the right) in his class photo from 1937.
Alan Dawtry was born on April 8, 1915 in Sheffield, England; the son of Melancthon and Kate Nicholas (Kevan) Dawtry.
Alan studied at King Edward VII School in Sheffield. In 1937 he graduated from Sheffield University and received his Bachelor of Laws.
From 1938 to 1948 Alan Dawtry served as a Prosecutor at Sheffield City Council. His early career was rudely interrupted by the outbreak of World War II. He served as Lieutenant colonel at British Army from 1939 to 1946. After the war Alan Dawtry returned to Sheffield to resume his post, but shortly after moved on to other municipal appointments, including periods as Town Clerk (now known as Chief Executives) in Bolton from 1948 to 1952, Leicester from 1952 to 1954; Wolverhampton from 1954 to 1956 and Westminster from 1956 to 1977.
As Chief Executive of Westminster one of his key tasks was the reform of local government in the capital. Alan Dawtry led a small group of officials who fought for the complete reorganisation, overturning a complex mix of structures which had been in place since the 19th century. The result was the Greater London Council, together with the 32 London Boroughs, which still exist today along with the City of London district.
From 1977 to 1986 he served as Chairman of Sperry Rand Ltd is the British subsidiary of the US-based Sperry Rand Corporation, which prospered during his nine years in the position. He stepped down in 1986, having also joined the CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) and served on its Executive Council, when the company was taken over and renamed Unisys.
Quotes from others about the person
Miles Stevenson: "Alan epitomised the very best English qualities - courtesy, kindness, good humour, intellectual curiosity and public service.
Alan was married to Lady Dawtry.