240247 Pte. John Alfred Lawrence Royal Marine Light Infantry Portsmouth Division from:Mitcham, Surrey Jack Lawrence had previously tried to join the East Surrey Regiment, but lied about his age, and when this was discovered, he was sent packing back to his parents. He didn't learn his lesson, and on 10th November 1902, he enlisted in the Royal Marines in London, and was sent, first to Deal, then Portsmouth to receive his training, at which time they discovered his deception, but retained him, and just docked his service by 141 days.
He served right through until 8th June 1921, by which time he had married, had a son, his namesake, then tragically lost his wife during childbirth. His daughter survived.
He served on 13 different vessels, from Fire Queen, the Admiral's yacht at Portsmouth, to HMS Topaze, his final ship. During the Great War, he also served on HMS Britannia, HMS Inconstant, and HMS Glory, but he was lucky to be on shore leave back in Portsmouth for Jutland, and the Dardanelles campaign, plus he missed the sinking of the Britannia.
A complex and misunderstood man, I believe now he suffered from PTSD. His was not an easy war; not that there is such a thing..
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