Brian Turner Tom Lawrence

Brian Turner Tom Lawrence VC [The British Olympic Association spells his name "Bryan".] (9 November 1873-7 June 1949) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Details

Born in Bewdley Worcestershire, the eldest of five brothers, and the son of Hannah and John Lawrence, a timber merchant of Park Lane, Kidderminster. Lawrence was a former pupil of King Charles I Grammar School, Kidderminster. He was 26 years old, and a sergeant in the 17th Lancers (Duke of Cambridge's Own), British Army during the South African War (Boer War) when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 7 August 1900 near Essenbosch Farm, South Africa, Sergeant Lawrence and a private were attacked by a group of Boers. The private's horse was shot and the man thrown, dislocating his shoulder. Sergeant Lawrence at once went to his assistance, put him on his own horse and sent him on to the picket. He then took the soldier's carbine, and with his own as well, kept the enemy off until the wounded man was safely out of range. The sergeant then retired for some two miles on foot, followed by the Boers, keeping them off until help arrived.

Further information

He was decorated by King Edward in London in 1902. He later served in the 1914-18 and 1939-45 wars and reached the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel in the 18th Royal Hussars (later 13th/18th Royal Hussars).

Olympics

He competed in the 1912 Summer Olympics for Great Britain in eventing. He did not finish the Individual eventing (Military) competition, also the British team did not finish the team event.

The medal

The medal is in the VC collection of Lord Ashcroft.

References

*Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
*The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
*Victoria Crosses of the Anglo-Boer War (Ian Uys, 2000)
* [http://www.olympics.org.uk/athleterecord.aspx?at=5783 external link British Olympic Association]