Dickinson, Campbell Guest, LVSc 1913, BVSc 1914

C.G. DICKINSON. B.V.Sc.

We regret to announce the sudden death of Campbell Guest Dickinson on 21st March, 1943, after a very short illness.

C.  G.  Dickinson graduated B.V.Sc. from the Melbourne University in 1914.  He served during the World War 1914-18 as a veterinary transport officer, travelling with horses between Australia and the Middle East

In 1917 he went to the Northern Territory, where he served as Chief Veterinary Officer until 1919, when he relinquished the post to join the veterinary service of the Tasmanian Department of Agriculture.  He served mainly in the midland district of the island, and became interested in the study of midland cattle disease (botulism), "coast disease" of King Island, and many other animal health problems.  During his annual leave it was his custom to spend some time at the Veterinary Research Institute of the University of Melbourne, extending his knowledge of laboratory technique and keeping in touch with investigational work in progress there.

In 1927 the recently formed Commonwealth Council for Scientific and Industrial Research became interested in problems of the animal industry of Australia, and Mr. Dickinson was appointed as a research officer to undertake work in South Australia in association with Dr. L. B. Bull at the South Australian Government Laboratory of Pathology and Bacteriology.  As a C.S.I.R. research officer he continued this association and returned to Melbourne in 1936 to join the staff of the Division of Animal Health and Nutrition at the Animal Health Research Laboratory, Parkville.  In South Australia he was engaged on an investigation into Haematuria vesicalis of cattle and spent some months in the south-east of the State.  Later this investigation was extended to several areas in Victoria.

He was also engaged on a systematic investigation of caseous lymphadenitis of sheep which included studies of experimental infection, of immunisation against infection, and of the epidemiology of the disease.

He also carried out most of the laboratory work in the investigation of myxomatosis of rabbits.  In addition to these long-range research projects he carried out valuable laboratory work on pathology and bacteriology which was of great assistance to his colleagues and to the general work of the institution.

At all times he was a delightful and unselfish colleague, and was a most careful and painstaking worker.  His untimely death leaves a gap in the ranks of our veterinary research workers which will be difficult to fill.  His colleagues mourn his passing, and miss his good fellowship and whimsical humour which enriched his friendships and endeared him to all.