Pte 16827 George Arthur Lawrence

• Age: 21
• From: Everton, Liverpool
• Regiment: The King's (Liverpool Regiment) 18th Btn
• K.I.A Sunday 28th May 1916
• Commemorated at: Cerisy-gailly Mil Cem
  Panel Ref: II.F.10

George Arthur Lawrence was born in 1894 in Everton, Liverpool He was the son of George Hall Lawrence, a medical label writer for a wholesale druggist, and his wife Annie Emily Ellen Tyrer Blease. He was the second of four children, three of them girls. George’s parents were married 31st March 1890 at St Thomas, Melling and he had siblings Gertrude, Kathleen and Dorothy.

The 1901 Census shows the family living at 22 Skerries Road, Liverpool. His father George aged 34, born in Liverpool in 1867 is a medical label writer. His wife Annie aged 36, born 1865 in Liverpool has no occupation listed. At the time of the Census they have five children who were all born in Liverpool. Their children are Marion aged 10, born 1891, Gertrude aged 8, born 1893, George aged 6, Kathleen aged 2, born 1899 and Dorothy born 1901.     

The 1911 Census shows the family still living at 22 Skerries Road, Liverpool. His father George now aged 44, is still employed as a medical label writer and his wife Annie aged 46 has no occupation listed. They have been married for nineteen years and the Census shows they have had four children. The 1901 Census has Marion aged 20, employed as a typist recorded as being their niece. Their four children are still living at the home address, Gertrude aged 18, is a costume saleswoman, George (listed as Arthur) is aged 16, and is a mechanical engineers apprentice for a ships telegraph company, Kathleen aged 12 and Dorothy aged 10 are both at school.

He enlisted at St George's Hall in Liverpool on 03^rd September 1914, joining the 18th Battalion of The King's Liverpool Regiment as Private 16827. He gave his age as 19 years 11 months and his occupation as an electrician. He was five feet six and half inches tall, weighed 116lbs, chest 34", had a fresh complexion fresh, hazel coloured eyes, brown hair and gave his religion as Church of England.

From the 23^rd September 1914 he was billeted at Hooton Park Race Course and remained there until 03^rd December 1914 when they moved into the hutted accommodation at Lord Derby’s estate at Knowsley Hall. On 30th April 1915 the 18th Battalion alongside the other three Pals battalions left Liverpool via Prescot Station for further training at Belton Park, Grantham. They remained here until September 1915 when they reached Larkhill Camp on Salisbury Plain. 

07.11.15: He embarked or France with his battalion.

21.2.16: To Field Ambulance with Measles.

23.2.16: Returned to duty.

He was killed in action on 28^th May 1916 aged 21. 

He was to serve a total of 1 year and 268 days.

He now rests at Cerisy-Gailly Cemetery. (Grave II F 10).

He was reported killed in the local press: 

Liverpool Echo – 07/6/1916 – Killed in Action – Lawrence – May 29 in his 22nd year George Arthur Lawrence (Arthur) Liverpool Pals, dearly loved only son of Mr & Mrs Lawrence of 21 Skerries Road, Anfield. Also Lawrence – May 29 killed in action age 21 years Arthur Lawrence (Liverpool Pals) only brother of Martha Lawrence.

Daily Post 28/7/1917 – Roll of Honour – Lawrence – In loving memory of our dear son George Arthur Lawrence (KLR) killed in action May 28 1916 in his 22nd year. 22 Skerries Road. Lawrence – In loving memory of our dear brother Private Arthur Lawrence KLR killed in action May 28 1916. Ever remembered by his sisters “Sans Changer”

Family notice 28th May 1917

LAWRENCE - In loving memory of our dear son, George Arthur Lawrence (K.L.R.), killed in action May 28, 1916, in his 22nd year. - 22 Skerries Road.

LAWRENCE - In loving memory of our dear brother Private Arthur Lawrence (K.L.R.), killed in action May 28, 1916. "Sans Changer."  - Ever remembered by his Sisters

His medals were sent to his father, who was still living in Skerries Road and was to die in 1929. 

Soldiers Effects to father George H which consisted of a wallet, belt, tin box, purse, key, watch and strap (broken), steel mirror in case, 3 photos, crucifix. Pension was awarded to his mother Annie.

We currently have no further information on George Arthur Lawrence. If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.