World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. He was gazetted for the award posthumously on May 15, 1919, for his actions as an acting captain in the Special Reserve, Royal Field Artillery, British Army, on April 10, 1918, at the Battle of Messines (part of the overall Battle of the Lys), Belgium during World War I.

He was the son of the late Andrew Dougall, of Tunbridge Wells, and of Emily Elizabeth Dougall, of 16A, Loudoun Rd. St. John's Wood, London. He received his education at Tonbridge School in Tonbridge, Kent, England, where he excelled at cross-country running. After graduating in 1908 with a degree in Mechanical Science, he worked for the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board at Liverpool, England. Following the outbreak of World War I in July 1914, he was working in British India and joined the Bombay Light Horse Cavalry of the British Indian Army.

In 1915 he returned to England, applied, and received a commission as a lieutenant in the Special Reserve of the Royal Field Artillery; in July 1916, he was sent to the Western Front in France, where he saw combat at the Battle of the Somme and Battle of the Ancre. In May 1917, he was promoted to the rank of acting captain, and the following month, he participated in the Battle of Messines. April 1918 found him in the thick of the Battle of Lys on Messines Ridge, where he won the Victoria Cross for gallantry on the 10th.

Four days later, during the Battle of Bailleul phase of the Battle of Lys, he was killed in combat at the age of 32. His Victoria Cross citation reads: "For most conspicuous bravery and skilful leadership in the field when in command of his battery. Capt. Dougall maintained his guns in action from early morning throughout a heavy concentration of gas and high-explosive shell. Finding that he could not clear the crest owing to the withdrawal of our line, Captain Dougall ran his guns on to the top of the ridge to fire over open sights. By this time our infantry had been pressed back in line with the guns. Captain Dougall at once assumed command of the situation, rallied and organised the infantry, supplied them with Lewis guns, and armed as many gunners as he could spare with rifles. With these he formed a line in front of his battery which during this period was harassing the advancing enemy with a rapid rate of fire. Although exposed to both rifle and machine gun fire this officer fearlessly walked about as though on parade, calmly giving orders and encouraging everybody. He inspired the infantry with his assurance that "So long as you stick to your trenches I will keep my guns here". This line was maintained throughout the day, thereby delaying the enemy's advance for over twelve hours. In the evening, having expended all ammunition, the battery received orders to withdraw. This was done by man-handling the guns over a distance of about 800 yards of shell-cratered country, an almost impossible feat considering the ground and the intense machine gun fire. Owing to Captain Dougall's personality and skilful leadership throughout this trying day there is no doubt that a serious breach in our line was averted. This gallant officer was killed four days later whilst directing the fire of his battery."

In addition to the Victoria Cross, he received the Military Cross, the 1914-15 Star, the British War Medal (1914-20), and the Victory Medal (1914-19). His Victoria Cross is currently held by Pembroke College in Cambridge, England.