| Regimental number | 5843 |
| Date of birth | |
| Place of birth | Crystal Brook, South Australia |
| Religion | Methodist |
| Occupation | Painter |
| Address | Crystal Brook, South Australia |
| Marital status | Single |
| Age at embarkation | 21.8 |
| Height | 5' 8" |
| Weight | 142 lbs |
| Next of kin | Mother, Mrs J Lawson, Crystal Brook, South Australia |
| Previous military service | Served for years in the Cadets, 6 months in the Light Horse, 18 months in the Machine Gun Section, 24th Light Horse, Citizen Military Forces. |
| Enlistment date | |
| Place of enlistment | Petersburg, South Australia |
| Rank on enlistment | Private |
| Unit name | 10th Battalion, 18th Reinforcement |
| AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/27/4 |
| Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A37 Barambah on |
| Rank from Nominal Roll | Sergeant |
| Unit from Nominal Roll | 48th Battalion |
| Recommendations (Medals and Awards) |
Military Medal Altered to Card. Recommendation date: Distinguished Conduct Medal Recommendation date: |
| Fate | Returned to Australia |
| Medals |
Distinguished Conduct Medal 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the advance near Le Verquier, north west of St. Quentin, on the 18 September, 1918. He was in charge of a party at a bombing block in a communication trench running to the enemy trench from a commanding position in our front line when the enemy attacked with a strong party, driving him and his men up the trench. He promptly reorganized his party, and attacked and drove the enemy out of the trench, re-establishing himself at the block. The enemy again attacked under trench mortar and machine gun barrage, but he, by the skilful use of a Lewis gun and rifle grenades, was able to crush this attack before they reached the block.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 20 Date: |
| Discharge date | |
| Other details |
War service: Western Front Commenced return to Australia on board HT 'Ypiringa', 15 November 1919; discharged (termination of period of enlistment), Adelaide, 24 February 1920. Medals: Distinguished Conduct Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal Also served in World War II: Service No S220. |
| Date of death | |
| Age at death | 65 |
| Place of burial | Derrick Gardens, Centennial Park Cemetery, Adelaide, South Australia |
| Sources | NAA: B2455, LAWSON Sydney Robert |
Postal Address:
Po Box 7916
Canberra BC 2610, Australia
Street Address:
Northcott Drive,
Campbell, ACT 2600
