Former Chief of Naval Staff, retired Admiral Oscar Stanley Dawson, died on Sunday due to brain haemorrhage.
Dawson (87) was a bachelor and leaves behind his only sister Thelma, a press release said.
Commissioned in 1943, Dawson served as the Chief of Naval Staff from March 1, 1982 until his retirement on November 30, 1984
He was one of the original architects of Project Seabird, which aimed to provide the Indian Navy with an integrated base on the western seaboard.
Dawson was awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, among others. Besides, he was the first Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the first President Rajendra Prasad during 1953-54.
He was Director of Naval Operations, Naval Headquarters during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971 and was awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) for his services and leadership during the conflict.
He had served as India's High Commissioner to New Zealand.
He also commanded Goa Shipyard, INS Vikrant, INS Talwar, INS Nilgiri and continued as Honorary ADC to the President of India until his death.