Jess LAWSON

17 May 1918

Private J. Lawson, Tosside

The sad news was received on Friday last by Mr. and Mrs. Lawson, of Crow Trees Farm, Tosside, that their eldest son, Private Jess Lawson, Duke of Wellington’s, was killed in action on April 28th 1918, aged 25 years.

He joined up over two years ago under Lord Derby’s scheme. At the time he was employed by his father on his farm at Crow Trees, Tosside. He went out to France 17 months’ ago. Private Lawson was well known and highly respected throughout the district and much sympathy is felt for the parents and family.

Captain Dixon, writing to the parents, says:– “Your son was in his post when a shell dropped into it and he was killed almost instantaneously. The loss of a man of his kind is far more than words of mine can express. He has done most excellent work since the recent fighting commenced. On April 10th, your son, by great courage and devotion, saved a wounded comrade from falling into the enemy’s hands and carried him to a place of safety while enemy machine guns were firing at him. Such men as these we can ill spare. Please accept the deepest sympathy of all officers, N.C.O.s and men of the Company in your great loss.”

Another letter from C.H.E. Lowther to the parents states:– “It will be some consolation to you in your great loss to know that he passed away without pain. I have been his platoon officer for a long time, and I can say with absolute truth that there was no one in the platoon who did his duty better, or who was more reliable than your son. He was always very quiet and never bragged about his own doings. He was buried in a cemetery behind the fighting area, and his grave marked by a regimental cross.”

14 February 1919

TOSSIDE – Posthumous Honour

Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Lawson of Crow Trees Farm, Tosside, have received a letter from Lieut. C. H. E. Lowther, stating that their late son, Private Jess Lawson has been awarded the Military Medal for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Lieut. Lowther adds:– “He was recommended for this before his death in action, and it is sad to think that he never lived to enjoy the fruits of his good work. I am sure this news will be some little consolation to you in your great grief at the death of your son. You will receive the medal your son would have won, and I know how proud of it you will be, just as ‘A’ Company will always be proud of your son.” Mr. and Mrs. Lawson have since received the medal. Private Lawson was killed in action on April 28th, 1918.

25 April 1919

LAWSON – In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Private Jess Lawson, 1/6th Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, who was killed in action in France on April 28th, 1918.

“Only those who have loved and lost can understand.”

From his loving Father, Mother and Brother, Crow Nest, Tosside.

12 March 1920

TOSSIDE – Fallen and Returned Soldiers Honoured

The demobilised soldiers of Tosside and their lady friends were entertained to supper in the Congregational Sunday School on Saturday evening by the members and friends connected with the chapel. After supper, a concert consisting of songs and recitations was sustained by a youthful company, and included two dialogues by L. and E. Hodgson, B. Bentham, E. Jackson, N. Moon, Joshua Hodgson and Mark Bentham. A highly enjoyable evening was spent.

On Sunday afternoon a memorial tablet was unveiled at a special memorial service held in memory of the six Tosside young men who did not return. The service was conducted by Mr. J. W. Andrews, of Sutton, and the tablet was unveiled by Mr. Joshua Hodgson and Mr. David Harrison, both of whom were wounded during the war. The tablet was placed in the chapel by the relatives of the late soldiers, and by members of the congregation and bears the following inscription:–

“In loving memory of the young men connected with this place of worship who died while serving their country during the Great War, 1914-18:– Nicholas Harrison, Percy Hodgson, Tom Hodgson, Rowland Robinson, Jess Lawson, Sam Lawson; also their age and date of death.” Here follows an appropriate verse.

30 April 1920

LAWSON – In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Pte. Jess Lawson, who fell in action in France, April 28th, 1918.

No one knows how much we miss him;
Only those who have lost can tell
Of the grief that’s borne in silence
For the one we loved so well.

From his loving Father, Mother and Brother, Crow Trees, Tosside.

29 April 1921

LAWSON – In loving memory of Pte. Jess Lawson, who was killed in France, April 28th, 1918.

“To-day recalls sad memories.”

From his loving Father, Mother and Brother, Crow Trees, Tosside.