LAWRENCE, TOM, Sergeant, served in the Boer War of 1899-1901, and
was awarded the Victoria Cross [London Gazette, 15 January 1901]: "T
Lawrence, Sergeant, 17th Lancers. Date of Act of Bravery: 7 August 1900.
On the 7th August 1900, when on patrol duty near Essenbosch Farm, Sergeant
Lawrence and a Private (Hayman) were attacked by twelve or fourteen Boers.
Private Hayman's horse was shot, and the man was thrown, dislocating his
shoulder. Sergeant Lawrence at once came to his assistance, extricated him
from under the horse, put him on his own horse, and sent him on to the
picket. Sergeant Lawrence took the soldier's carbine, and with his own
carbine as well, kept the Boers off until Private Hayman was safely out of
range. He then retired for some two miles on foot, followed by the Boers,
and keeping them off till assistance arrived". Sergeant Lawrence was
decorated by King Edward on 12 August 1902, in London. He became Sergeant
and Riding Master in the 18th Hussars, and was promoted Honorary
Lieutenant and later Captain.
