Sergeant Tom Lawrence VC

Sergeant Lawrence and Private Hayman were on patrol near Essenbosch Farm on 7 Aug 1900. They were attacked by 12 to 14 Boers who shot Hayman’s Horse. Hayman himself dislocated his shoulder when he fell so needed assistance. Sgt Lawrence immediately dismounted and came to his aid, helping him onto his own horse and sent him towards their pickets. Using two carbines, he held off the Boers while Hayman got away, and then made his way on foot for two miles, keeping the enemy at a safe distance.
Brian Turner Tom Lawrence was born on 9 Nov 1873 in Bewdley, Worcestershire, the son of John Lawrence, a timber merchant. He was educated at the King Charles I Grammar School in Kidderminster. He enlisted in the 17th Lancers and went out to South Africa with them as a sergeant. Following his brave action he was gazetted for the Victoria Cross on 15 Jan 1901. He returned to England for the presentation of his medal by Edward VII on 12 Aug 1902. Soon after, he transferred to the 18th Hussars as riding master and held the honorary rank of lieutenant, then captain. He competed in the 1912 Olympics in eventing.
He reached the rank of lieutenant-colonel and when he retired he emigrated to Kenya. He died in Nakuru on 7 June 1949 and was cremated there. The photo shows him in the dress uniform of the 17th Lancers with the rank of corporal, some years before going out to South Africa.

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