LAWSON G W
LAWSON, George William
Regiment: 5 Bn Cheshire Regiment
Rank: Private
Number: 2503
Died: 21 September 1916
Aged:
Buried/Memorial: Delville Wood, Longueval
Address: 119 Westminster Road, Hoole
Cheshire Observer 17 October 1916
HOOLE SOLDIER’S DEATH
“We regret to announce the death in action of Pte G W Lawson 2503 of the Cheshire Regiment, youngest son of Mr and Mrs Lawson 119 Westminster Road Hoole. Pte Lawson who was 19 years of age volunteered for service in October 1914 and proceeded to the Front in June the following year. He was instantly killed by a shell on Sept 21. Previous to joining the Forces he was an apprentice to Mr J T Thomas decorator Boughton. The following letter has been received by his parents from an officer of the Regiment. “British Expeditionary Force Sept 22 1916. Dear Mrs Lawson, Please allow me to express my sympathy with you in the loss you have sustained by the death of your son. He was a soldier and died a soldier’s death, and has given his life for his King and country. He was killed instantly by a ……………among us. I have known him for….months and he will be greatly missed…..yours sincerely Herbert Ratcliffe Second Lieut Cheshire Regiment.”
A comrade of the deceased soldier has also written as follows “Dear Mrs Lawson It is with deep regret I am writing to tell you of your son George’s death of which no doubt you have had official intimation. George was killed on Thursday 21st as was also our chum Charlie Pate by the explosion of a shell. It may comfort you to know that death was instantaneous and therefore he suffered no pain. He is buried with his comrades who fell with him near where he fell and a cross bearing their names marks the spot. You may find some consolation in the knowledge that George was very popular throughout the platoon and he was a good and fearless soldier who died fighting for his King and country. In conclusion I will add that his comrades tender you their deepest sympathy in your great trouble. Yours sincerely W Tinkler”.
The headmaster of Hoole All Saints Boys School ( Mr T J Boughton) of which Pte Lawson was an old pupil has written to the bereaved parents as follows :- My Dear Mr and Mrs Lawson I have just heard with deep regret the news you have received this morning. I hasten to assure you of my sincere and loving sympathy trusting you may be strengthened and comforted by the One who alone can perform this. I remember George so well and I am so glad he was one of those who came to see me a short time ago. Remember he has died the noblest of all deaths, for his country. Remember too he was one who volunteered for service. This again increases the honour. With kindest regards, yours sincerely Thos. J Boughton.”
The 1911 Census shows George as aged 14 a grocer’s assistant, living at 119 Westminster Road with father Daniel, mother Joyce, sister Maud together with his brother Thomas and his wife Lilian and son Thomas.