249570 Pte. John W. Lawrenson British Army 15th Btn. Durham Light Infantry from:South Shields (d.27th August 1918) John Lawrenson served with 15th Btn. Durham Light Infantry. I found paperwork addressed to John Lawrenson's sister Mrs Greenwell, that he had died of wounds on 27th of August 1918 in the 29th Casualty Clearing Station.
There is also a letter from Sister Former that says "Dear Mrs Greenwell, In answer to your letter your brother was brought to us wounded in the buttock and extremely ill. We did all we could for him but he died soon after he came to us on 27th of August 1918 quite peacefully. Try(?) this is any comfort to you he suffered no pain, he was too ill to talk to us. He is buried in the British Cemetery in Grezaincourt, near Poullens. With much sympathy Sister Former(?)'.
There is also another letter from Rev. Hoff dated 15th of Novemeber 1918 that says "Dear Mrs Greenwell, Your letter reached me about three weeks ago as I had changed my address several times in the meanwhile. I have been so busy till now that I have been unable to answer it before now. I saw your brother 81605 J W Lawrenson immediately on his admission to 29 CCS. I heard his confession and gave him the last sacraments. He was --- to God's will when I told him that he was in danger of death and was in the last dispositions. I saw him once again before he died and I am glad to say he was in no pain. You make take comfort in thoughts that he died fighting in a just cause and that his reward will be --- to his sacrifice. I pray that god may --- you and his mother that consolation in your sorrow which only he can --- Yours sincerely, J G Hoff C7"
There's also a small slip from Buckingham Palace stating there's a small memorial sent, this was probably the death penny I am yet to have come across this.
Additional Information: | Johns mother May went over 2 France in the early 1920s with the YMCA and of course other mothers, she was unable to read or write . On arrival to the cemetery there was a Sargent near the top of the cemetery near some of the then wooden crosses. Not being able to read she couldn’t find Johns marked grave. Very embarrassed she asked the Sargent if he could help in which he replied. “ Madam you are Standing right next to your sons grave. She always said that Johns Spirit led her to his resting place. My mothers mother was Johns sister she always spoke of him as Poor John Jeff Harkness
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