Dora was born in Glasgow in 1898 to Janet and Thomas Mathieson. Her father was the branch manager of a canned fruit company. The family home was at 28 Langside Road at the time Dora began her studies in the Arts Faculty at Glasgow University. In the summer of 1918, the year of her graduation (M.A.), her brother, 2nd Lieutenant Stanley Mathieson of the Scots Rifles died of his wounds in France. He was buried in Le Havre on the 16th August, aged 23. In the autumn Dora matriculated in the Law Faculty and continued with her studies. She was a good student, gaining third prize in Civil Law and an Honours accolade in Scots Law. She graduated B.L. in 1924, the length of time suggesting that she combined studying with apprenticeship. She seemed to be progressing towards the completion of her professional qualifications but married very soon after graduating. On 8th September 1925 she wed John Liddell, a woollen goods manufacturing agent. Sadly the family suffered another tragic loss when Dora died ten days after childbirth on 7th January, 1931. She was 32.
Sources
University of Glasgow Registry and General Council Records
CWGC Debt of Honour
Scotland’s People
