George Robert Lawson was the son of William John and Matilda Lawson. He was born on 23rd March 1893 in Dungannon, County Tyrone. The 1911 census records 19 year old George as still living with the family. The family now lives at Miltown (South Side), Dungannon. George is a Wining Master. His father William is a Provisions Merchant. George Robert Lawson served for one year with the Ulster Volunteers before emigrating to Canada in 1915.George was working as a grocery packer before enlisting. George Robert Lawson enlisted in Toronto on 9th September 1915. Private George Robert Lawson was serving with the 3rd Battalion of the Canadian Pioneers when he died of gun shot wounds received in the vicinity of Regina Trench, France on 4th October 1916, aged 23.
Further Information
George Robert Lawson was the son of William John and Matilda Lawson. William Lawson and Matilda McAteer were married on 14th January 1887 in the district of Dungannon.
George Lawson was born 24th March 1892 in Dungannon. He was one of at least twelve children, all born in Dungannon.
The 1901 census show nine year old George living with the family at Breezes Row, Dungannon. His father was a baker.
Known family: William John Lawson, Matilda Lawson, Samuel Lawson (born 26th December 1887), William Lawson (born 2nd February 1890), George Robert Lawson (born 24th March 1892), Joseph Lawson (born 25th January 1894), Thomas Lawson (born 31st December 1895), Matilda Lawson (born 2nd September 1897), Albert Lawson (born 18th February 1899), Mabel Lawson (born 28th June 1900), Mary Jane Lawson (born 22nd July 1901), Edith Lawson (born 17th December 1902), Dorothea Lawson (born 22nd November 1907), Violet Lawson (born 15th December 1908).
1915
George Robert Lawson served for one year with the Ulster Volunteers before emigrating to Canada in 1915.
From the Belfast Newsletter dated 11th May 1915: Thomas Lawson (Brother of George Lawson)
Lance Corporal Thomas Lawson, 1st Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, a young Dungannon soldier, has written to his brother, Sapper Joseph Lawson, Royal Engineers, Antrim, stating that he was shot in the stomach on 26th April during the advance in the Gallipoli peninsula, and is now in the Kaarel-Ainy Hospital, Cairo, Egypt. He is now recovering.
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 15th May 1915: Dungannon Soldiers Wounded (Thomas Lawson (Brother of George Lawson))
On Sunday morning, Mr W J Lawson, Milltown, Dungannon, received intimation from the War Office that his son, Lance Corporal Thomas Lawson, 1st Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, had been wounded on 4th May, while serving with the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force in the Gallipoli Peninsula. Two other sons of Mr Lawson are serving in the Ulster Division, and on hearing the news of his brother been wounded, the youngest son promptly volunteered on Sunday.
From the Belfast Newsletter dated 22nd May 1915: Thomas Lawson (Brother of George Lawson)
Official intimation has been received that Lance corporal Thomas Lawson, 1st Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, was dangerously wounded at Gallipoli on the 4th May, and is now in hospital in Cairo. Lawson has three years' service, and is one of five brothers serving with the colours. His parents reside in Dungannon, and a sixth brother resides at 36 Ashbourne Street, Belfast.
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 29th May 1915: Lance Corporal Lawson from the Dardanelles Thomas Lawson (Brother of George Lawson)
Lance Corporal Thomas Lawson, 1st Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, Mr William Lawson, Milltown, Dungannon, writes as follows from the Kasr Al Ainy Hospital, Cairo, to his brother, Sapper Joseph Lawson, Royal Engineers, Antrim.:- ‘Just a line to let you know I have got wounded fighting at the Dardanelles, but I am feeling better now. I got wounded in the stomach and it was very severe. I am in hospital in Egypt and receiving the best of treatment, but I do not know if I will be going home or not. I was wounded on 28th April. We did good work at the Dardanelles as the Turks can’t fight. I hope all at home are well.’
Writing to his mother on 7th May, he says:- ‘I am getting along finer, and my wound is nearly alright. The people here are very good, and we get everything we want – plenty of oranges and cigarettes. I hope to be able to get home for a while and you need not be uneasy about me. The hospital in which I am in is a new one, and we were the first wounded to occupy it. I was looking out for Robert Bell (Private Robert Bell, Milltown, Dungannon, who is reported officially as wounded), but I did not see him after we landed from the boats to attack, not have I heard anything about him. The fighting was terrible but we beat the Turks anyhow. I don’t know whether I will get home or not, butif I do I hope it will be before the Twelfth Day.’ He also wrote in similar terms to his to his father and sister. Mr Lawson has now four sons serving with the colours.
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 12th June 1915: Corporal Lawson in Egypt - Thomas Lawson (Brother of George Lawson)
Lance Corporal Thomas Lawson, 1st Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, who was wounded at the Dardanelles, writing to his parents at Milltown, Dungannon, from the Kasr Al Ainy Hospital, Cairo, Egypt, says:-
‘Just a few lines to let you know that I am getting better and able to walk about, but I am still very weak. The wound is alright now. The hospital here is full of wounded, and there are some terrible sights to look at. I hear out troops are giving the Turks a good beating as they cannot stand our bayonet charges. Cairo is a very nice place, but the heat is terrific. We have natives here in the hospital acting as orderlies. And they are funny boys. You cannot understand what they say as they chatter so. You might ask the Bells if they got any news about Robert, as I have heard noting of him since I got wounded.’
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 26th June 1915: Wants to Pay Back the Turks - Thomas Lawson (Brother of George Lawson)
Lance Corporal Thomas Lawson, 1st Royal Inniskillings, who was wounded during the landing at Gallipoli Peninsula in April, writing to his parents at Milltown, Dungannon, from the Kasr Al Ainy Hospital, Cairo, Egypt, says:-
‘Your letters went to the Dardanelles and followed me here. My wounds have healed up now and I am walking about every day. I think they will send me to a convalescent home until I am quite strong again. The bullet went right through my abdomen and lodged in the hip, but it was taken out on-board ship, and I can tell you it was very sore. If I have to go back to the Dardanelles again I will go with a good heart, as I would like to get more shots at the Turks. I had no time to try my bayonet on them as I got wounded too early in the landing, but I popped a few of them with bullets, and I fairly enjoyed it. Our boys were not cowards, for they drove back the Turks from the shore, and when they landed they gave the enemy some hot work. I hope all at home are well and they need not be uneasy about me.’
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 3rd July 1915: Corporal Lawson at the Dardanelles (Brother of George Lawson)
Lance Corporal Thomas Lawson, 1st Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, writing from Kasr Al Ainy Hospital, Cairo, Egypt under the date 13th June, to his father, Mr William Lawson, Milltown, Dungannon, says he is slowly improving. The doctors put him under x-rays and the sister told him there was still a piece of bullet in his stomach but the only time he feels it is when sitting. He states that he is not sure whether he will be able to get home but will try his best. He was sorry to hear that Robert Bell of Milltown was wounded, but they all had to take their chance and should thank God that they escaped with a wound. He hopes to be back in the Dardanelles when they are taking Constantinople, as the Turks will get it pretty hot. It was a terrible sight to see the way the Turks cut up the wounded, especially those who could not get out of their way. The allies are making good progress and it would not be long until they had the Turks off the face of the earth. He states that he was struck by three bullets, two entering the bdy and one striking the buckle of his belt.
George was working as a grocery packer before enlisting.
George Robert Lawson enlisted in Toronto on 9th September 1915. He gave his next of kin as his father who was still living in Miltown.
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 11th September 1915: Lance Corporal Thomas Lawson (Brother of George Lawson)
Lance Corporal Thomas Lawson, 1st Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, has intimated to his parents at Milltown, Dungannon, that he has recovered from his wounds received at the first landing at the Dardanelles and has returned to the front.
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 2nd October 1915: (Thomas Lawson - Brother of George Lawson)
Lance Corporal Thomas Lawson, 1st Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, who had been wounded and has now returned to the front, in writing to his parents at Milltown, Dungannon, from the Dardanelles on 8th September says:-
‘You mention in your letter that there was a fellow down there looking for me. His name is Ashfield and he got wounded beside me, as we were both hit with the same shell. I am glad to hear he got home. We have good times out here now, and the weather is very warm during the day. I cannot tell you anything about our movements as we are not allowed, but are doing well. I wish the war was over, and I hope the Lord I will keep safe through it all. You need not be uneasy about me.’
From the Belfast Newsletter dated 14th October 1915: A Patriotic Tyrone Family
Five sons of Mr William J Lawson, Milltown, Dungannon, are now serving with the colours. A letter just received from his third son George, who was employed in the firm of Eaton’s in Toronto, contains the following:-
‘I have enlisted and passed the medical examination, and have been drilling for about three weeks. I think the time has now come when every young man who is medically fit should join the colours and do his bit. Nearly everyone in Toronto at the present time is a soldier, and sometimes I felt ashamed of myself when I knew it was my duty to do my share alongside my brothers. The regiment which I belong to is the 9th Mississauga Horse.’
Mr Lawson’s eldest son, Samuel, and his fourth son Joseph, volunteered in the Ulster Division and are in the 12th Field Company Royal Engineers. His second son, William, who resided in Belfast, joined the 10th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles, while the fifth son, Thomas, is a lance corporal in the 1st Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, and has been wounded at the Dardanelles. The sixth son, Albert, volunteered on receipt of the news that his brother had been wounded, but he was under age and could not be accepted.
From the Tyrone Courier dated 21st October 1915:
Five sons of Mr W. J. Lawson, Milltown, are now serving in the army, his third son, George (who was employed in Toronto) having joined the 9th Massasauga Horse.
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 6th November 1915: Corporal Lawson Resting - (Brother of George Lawson)
Lance Corporal Thomas Lawson, 1st Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, has written his parents at Milltown, Dungannon, from Gallipoli stating that he is well and is having a rest in the rear trenches. He says that he is so safe and comfortable in his dugout that it amuses him to hear the shells whistling overhead.
From the Tyrone Courier dated 11 November 1915 : Milltown Man's Five Soldier Sons
Mr William J Lawson, Milltown, Dungannon, has five sons serving with the colours, four of them being at present at the front and the other training in Canada. The eldest son, Sapper Samuel Lawson, Royal Engineers, who is married, his wife residing in Milltown, enlisted in January last and is at present in France with the Ulster Division. Prior to volunteering he was a carpenter in the employment of Messrs. Robert Patton and Sons, Dungannon and was also sexton of Second Dungannon Presbyterian Church. Mr Lawson's next son, Rifleman William Lawson, 10th Irish Rifles, who is also married, his wife living in Belfast, volunteered in August and is now in the trenches in France with his regiment. Before enlisting he was a linen lapper in Belfast and had formerly being employed in Messrs Dickson's factory, Dungannon. The third son, Trooper George Lawson, 9th Missasauga Horse, had been employed in Messrs Eatons stores in Toronto, and gave up his position a few months ago to volunteer, and is at present training in Canada. He had previously been assistant winding master in Messrs. Dickson's factory, Dungannon, and had emigrated to the Dominion some years ago. The fourth son, Sapper Joseph Lawson, who is also a carpenter like his brother Samuel, volunteered with Samuel in January last and is now with his brother in France. The fifth son, Lance-corporal Thomas Lawson, 1st Inniskilling Fusiliers, had been on the army before the outbreak of hostilities. He accompanied the First Mediterranean Expeditionary Force to the Dardanelles and had been wounded in May last, but is since recovered and is back at the front again with his regiment. Mr Lawson's sixth son, Albert, had also volunteered for service, but had to be rejected on account of his youth.
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 20th November 1915: Sapper Samuel Lawson (brother of George Lawson)
Sapper Samuel Lawson, Royal Engineers (Ulster Division), written to his relatives at Milltown, Dungannon, several bright letters dealing with his experiences in France. In the barn in which he billeted, although quite warm in the straw, he could see the stars shining through the holes in the roof. As to the rats about which all the local soldiers are complaining, he says they hold nightly parades and squeaking concerts over and around him.
From the Tyrone Courier dated 25th November 1915: With the Ulster Division - Sapper Samuel Lawson (brother of George Lawson)
Sapper Samuel Lawson, Royal Engineers (Ulster Division), writing to his wife at Milltown, Dungannon, on 16th November, from France says:-
The weather here is getting very bad now, raining one time and snowing another. There were four inches of snow on the ground this morning and it was very cold. The ground is in an awful state now and takes one to the knees in mud. At night we lie on four feet of straw and sometimes a couple of bundles on top of us. Our division is far from what our enemies call us. They said when the _ Division went into action that their legs were shaking them but I can tell you upheld the… win us the war if we are supported by those at home. We don’t want supports of conscripts; we want volunteers if possible. You will be surprised to hear that there is a wad shop (as we term them) in the trenches where one can get cigarettes, a pint of beer and other small commodities, so let anyone who wants to aid in this struggle for liberty know that they can buy their fags as well under shot and shell as at home. I got the papers last night and the photos in the Tyrone Courier look well. I showed them to our lieutenant and he was delighted to see them.
From the Belfast Newsletter dated 14th December 1915: Private William Lawson (brother of George Lawson)
Mr William Lawson, Milltown, Dungannon, has received intimation from his son, Private William Lawson, 10th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles (South Belfast Volunteers), that he is in hospital suffering from rheumatism contracted in the trenches. He states that the Germans in front of their line had to evacuate their first line of trenches owing to flooding, and that in flying back to the reserve trenches a number of the enemy were killed.
From the Tyrone Courier dated 16th December 1915: Milltown Man in Hospital (Private William Lawson - brother of George Lawson)
Mr W J Lawson, Milltown, Dungannon, has received intimation from his son, Private William Lawson, 10th Irish Rifles, that he is in hospital suffering from rheumatism contracted in the trenches. He states that the Germans in front of their line had to evacuate their first line of trenches owing to flooding, and that in flying back to the reserve trenches a number of the enemy were killed.
1916
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated Saturday 1st January 1916: Lance Corporal Thomas Lawson (brother of George Lawson)
Lance Corporal Thomas Lawson, 1st Inniskillings, who was wounded during the landing at the Dardanelles in April last, and has since been in hospital in Cairo, now intimates to his parents in Milltown Dungannon, that he has returned to Gallipoli. He has promoted to be full Corporal. He mentions that Private Joseph McIntyre, 2nd Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, who was wounded at Festubert in May, and has been in hospital in England, is now at Gallipoli attached to the 1st Battalion.
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated Saturday 22nd April 1916:
Some of the Canadian contingent, which has recently arrived in England, have been given the opportunity of visiting their native town, including Lance Corporal James Williamson (Drumcoo Terrace), Canadian Royal Black Watch and Trooper George Lawson (Milltown), 9th Massasanga Horse.
From the Tyrone Courier dated 13th July 1916: (brothers of George Lawson)
Two sons of Mr W J Lawson, Milltown, Corporal William Lawson, 10th Irish Rifles, and Corporal Thomas Lawson, 1st Inniskillings, were both wounded and are in hospital in England. The former is wounded in the hip and the latter in one of the fingers. In a letter home, Corporal William Lawson describes the fighting as ‘just hell’, and mentions that Tommy and he had good luck to meet one another after the battle. Three other sons of Mr Lawson’s are serving at the front, but escaped injury.
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated Saturday 15th July 1916:
Corporal William Lawson, 15th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles (North Belfast Volunteers), is in hospital from wounds sustained in action. His wife resides at 28 Croft Street, Bangor, and he is one of five soldier sons of Mr William J Lawson, merchant, Milltown, Dungannon.
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated Saturday 15th July 1916: (brother of Corporal William Lawson)
Mr Lawson's youngest son, Corporal Thomas Lawson, 1st Inniskillings, has been wounded. He had been very severely wounded during the first landing at Gallipoli, and had been in hospital in Egypt for a considerable time.
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated Saturday 16th September 1916: Dungannon Wounded Soldiers Return – Corporal Thomas Lawson (brother of Robert Lawson)
Corporal Thomas Lawson (one of five soldier sons of Mr William Lawson, Milltown, Dungannon), wounded in the hand and previously wounded at Gallipoli… has returned home.
From the Tyrone Courier dated 28 September 1916: Six Brothers Serving
Mr and Mrs William John Lawson, Milltown, Dungannon, have now the distinction of having six sons serving with the colours, their youngest son Albert having volunteered for service on Thursday last, joining the Army Service Corps (Mechanical Transport section). He had previously volunteered… (extract missing) …Lawson and Joseph Lawson, Royal Engineers (both serving at the front); Corporal William Lawson (wounded) Irish Rifles; Corporal Thomas Lawson, wounded at the Dardanelles and in France, Inniskilling Fusiliers; and Trooper George Lawson, Canadian Mounted Contingent, serving at the front. All volunteered at the outbreak of war, except Corporal Thomas Lawson, who had rejoined the army shortly before the outbreak of hostilities.
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated Saturday 30th September 1916:
All the sons, six in number, of Mr William Lawson, merchant, Milltown, Dungannon, are now serving with the colours, his youngest son Albert having volunteered for service in the Royal Engineers (Mechanical Transport section) on Thursday last. His other sons serving are :-
Corporal Thomas Lawson, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (wounded at the Dardanelles and in France)
Corporal William Lawson, Royal Irish Rifles (wounded in France)
Sapper Samuel Lawson, Royal Engineers
Sapper Joseph Lawson, Royal Engineers
Trooper George Lawson, Canadian Mounted Contingent
All these latter five sons are at the front.
Private George Robert Lawson was serving with the 3rd Battalion of the Canadian Pioneers when he died of gun shot wounds received in the vicinity of Regina Trench, France on 4th October 1916, aged 23.
The Canadian Circumstances of Death Register records that Private Lawson died of wounds on 4th October 1916. He died at No 18 General Hospital, Camiers due to a gunshot wound and a compound fracture to the femur.
From the Toronto Star dated 11th October 1916:
Private G R Lawson, who was reported wounded on the lists on 5th October, has died of his wounds. He enlisted a year ago in Toronto with the 75th Battalion and went to France in June last. The casualty list gives his next of kin in Ireland.
From the Tyrone Courier dated 12 October 1916:
On Friday Mr and Mrs William J Lawson, Milltown, Dungannon, received intimation that their son, Private George R Lawson, of the Canadian Expeditionary Force, had been removed to hospital suffering from a dangerous gunshot wound, and on Saturday the news came that he had succumbed to his injuries on 4th October. The deceased officer had formerly been assistant winding master in Messrs Dickson's factory, Dungannon, and had emigrated to Canada some years ago. He had been employed in Eaton's stores in Toronto and promptly volunteered for service, His five brothers are all serving.
1917
From the Belfast Newsletter dated 12th June 1917: William J Lawson (brother of George Lawson)
Corporal William J Lawson, Royal Irish Rifles, wounded on 7th June, is one of the six soldier sons of Mr W J Lawson, Milltown, Dungannon. His wife resides at 48 Croft Street, Bangor.
From the Tyrone Courier dated Thursday 14 June 1917: Wounded (brother of George Lawson)
Corporal William J Lawson, R.I.R., one of the six soldier sons of Mr W J Lawson, Milltown, one of whom has made the greatest sacrifice.
Memorials
Private George Robert Lawson is buried in Etaples Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France.
Private George Robert Lawson is commemorated locally on Dungannon War Memorial.
The weather here is getting very bad now, raining one time and snowing another. There were four inches of snow on the ground this morning and it was very cold. The ground is in an awful state now and takes one to the knees in mud. At night we lie on four feet of straw and sometimes a couple of bundles on top of us. Our division is far from what our enemies call us. They said when the _ Division went into action that their legs were shaking them but I can tell you upheld the… win us the war if we are supported by those at home. We don’t want supports of conscripts; we want volunteers if possible. You will be surprised to hear that there is a wad shop (as we term them) in the trenches where one can get cigarettes, a pint of beer and other small commodities, so let anyone who wants to aid in this struggle for liberty know that they can buy their fags as well under shot and shell as at home. I got the papers last night and the photos in the Tyrone Courier look well. I showed them to our lieutenant and he was delighted to see them.
Corporal Thomas Lawson, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (wounded at the Dardanelles and in France)
