Birthplace:
- Nisbet, Roxburghshire, Scotland

Birthdate:
- 16 July 1847

Nationality:
- Scottish

Family Background:
- Not known

At Sandhurst:
- No

Career before Halifax:
- Ensign, 20 July 1867 (purchase)

Postings while in NS Command:
- Halifax, 9 May 1869 to 31 March 1870

Career after Halifax:
- retired by sale of commission, 18 May 1870

On applying for a first commission, Dodd was first entered for the 16th Foot, although he had made it clear that he preferred a Highland regiment. Only after he declared that "owing to private family affairs I must decline entering the 16th" was a vacancy found for him in the 78th. Although Dodd is listed as being with the 78th in Halifax until 30 March 1870, he had in fact returned to England, probably on a leave of absence, by December 1869.  Indeed, his absence on this occasion had led to a rather sharp exchange of notes between Colonel Mackenzie and General Doyle. Dodd had apparently taken his leave under false pretences, for which he eventually received a "sharp reprimand" from Mackenzie, while the latter was informed by Doyle that:

Were it not for Dodd's youth and short service he would cancel his leave and order him to return to duty.
Sir Hastings trusts that this admonition will not be lost on Ensign Dodd and that its effects will be shewn by his increased obedience to orders and a more ready compliance with the rules of the regiment.

In fact Dodd must have decided the military life was not for him, as he sold out of the service in May 1870. This makes it doubtful that he ever returned to Halifax.