LAWRENCE, James

LAWRENCE, James – A Southern Downs Veteran

CONFLICT : WWI
SERVICE NO : 7500
RANK : Sapper
UNIT : 9th Battalion
ENLISTMENT DATE : 31/01/1917
AGE : 44
PLACE OF ENLISTMENT : Toowoomba, Queensland
PLACE OF BIRTH : Ely, England
RELIGION : Church of England
OCCUPATION : Selector
DATE OF DEATH : Unknown
PLACE OF BURIAL : Unknown

MEMORIALS : Yelarbon War Memorial, Yelarbon Roll of Honour, Goondiwindi War Memorial

View Veteran’s Service File : LAWRENCE, James

NOTES :  Born in Ely, England and a former twelve-year veteran of the British Army, James Lawrence was forty-four years of age when he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in January 1917. He was living with his wife Emma, and he listed his occupation as a selector in the Goondiwindi region when he signed up for active service.

He embarked from Sydney on board HMAT A20 Hororata on 14 June 1917. From England he proceeded overseas to France with the 9th Battalion in December 1917. In May 1918 he suffered from influenza and was transferred to the Central Clearing Station. It was at this time he was diagnosed with chronic rheumatism.

He commenced his return to Australia on board HT Carpentaria on 8 August 1918 and was discharged medically unfit for active service on 22 October 1918 due to the effects of the chronic rheumatism.

Copyright 2026 Deborah C Wheeler and Duncan McLean, Southern Downs Military History

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