William Lawson

Military Information

  • Date of enlistment:
  • Place of enlistment: Dundee
  • Service no: 35394
  • Rank: Bombardier
  • Service Occupation:
  • Awards:
  • Regiment/Service: Royal Garrison Artillery
  • Unit/Ship: 48th Heavy Battery
  • Place of Death: France
  • Age at Death: 22
  • Date of Death: 14.09.1914
  • Burial Country: France
  • Cemetery: Vailly British Cemetery
  • Grave/Mem Ref no: IV.A.20.

Personal Information

  • Date of Birth:
  • Place of Birth: Dundee
  • Address: 39 Lochee Road, Dundee
  • Occupation: Dresser, Caldrum Works, Dundee
  • Mother:

    Mary Lawson, 39 Lochee Rd, Dundee

  • Father:

    William Lawson, 39 Lochee Rd, Dundee

  • Siblings:

    Robert & James

  • Spouse:
  • Children:

More about William Lawson

William was the brother of Pte Robert Lawson, S/13170, 2nd Battalion, Black Watch, who was killed in action, 21.04.1917.

William Lawson   35394   Royal Garrison Artillery

“HERE’S A BONNIE LETTER, MAMMA.”

SAD NEWS TO DUNDEE MOTHER.

“Here’s a bonnie letter, mamma!”

Little Jimmy Lawson handed his mother a letter the postman had given him, but the missive was not a “bonnie one.”

It was an intimation to Mrs Lawson, who resides at 39 Lochee Road, Dundee, that her son Bombardier William Lawson, of the Royal Garrison Artillery, had been killed in action on 14th September.

Pathetic circumstances attend Bombardier Lawson’s death.  The last letter he sent home was received four days after he had been killed.  In it he said :___”Just a line to let you know that I am still alive and kicking.  I want you to send me a football paper just to see how all the teams are getting on.”

Bombardier Lawson must have been killed shortly after writing the letter, as it was posted on 14th September.

Mrs Lawson has another son, Private Robert Lawson, who is in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, and he is at present in India.

Would Come Home With Medals.

In a letter to his mother Private Lawson wrote :___”I don’t expect the Garrison Artillery will be at the front, so I don’t think Willie will be away.  I would like if our regiment could get.”

Bombardier Lawson, who was 22 years of age, had served three years with his regiment, and before enlisting was employed as a dresser in Caldrum Works, Dundee (Harry Walker & Sons, Ltd.).

Dundee Courier 8th October 1914

Additional information supplied by Gary Thomson, further additional information and image kindly supplied by Michael Caldwell

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