 Dawkes was born at Leicester and made his debut for Leicestershire in the 1937 season at the age of 16.According to Wisden Cricketers' Almanack, he "was claimed to be the youngest wicket-keeper ever to take part in county cricket".He played in 11 matches in the 1937 season as replacement for the injury-prone main wicketkeeper, Percy Corrall, taking 13 catches and making four stumpings.