Queen's South Africa Medal 1899-1902. Silver issue with 3 x clasps 'Transvaal', 'South Africa 1901' & 'South Africa 1902' (7002 Pte. E. F. Lawson. Vol. Coy. W. York. Regt.)

The QSA medal of Edward Thomas Lawson with officially impressed named showing forename initials E.F. (sic) - this, exactly as transcribed and issued from the QSA medal roll with clasp 'Transvaal' (compiled 14 August 1901) that includes the clerical typo. The same referenced medal roll has a second entry (dated more then 14 months later on 29 October 1902) for the later issued date clasps

Medal(s) & Clasps Verification: In addition to the recipients entitlement to the QSA medal and all 3 x clasps, for his services during the South African War, the recipient also served in France (1917-18) with his old regiment during the Great War for which he was awarded the British War & Inerallied Victory medals per below referenced medal rolls:

- QSA Medal & 3 x clasps: WO 100/175 with 2nd Volunteer Service Company, West Yorks Regiment
- British War Medal. Silver issue: WO 329/1220. No 28909 held rank Sergeant & with 2/West Yorks R
- Interallied Victory Medal: WO 329/1220. Shows held rank Sergeant & served with 2/West Yorks R

Two sets of service papers for this recipient are extant & accessible at The National Archives

Edward Thomas Lawson, son of John Lawson (a Commercial Traveller) and Sarah Ann Lawson was a native of, the parish of Selby Abbey, Selby, Yorkshire, England, where he was born, 12 June 1882, and where he was baptized on 9 July 1882

Edward claimed to be 20 years & 8 months of age, when on 8 February 1901, he enlisted at Bradford, Yorkshire (where his family resided at 3 Fitzroy Road, Barkerend Road, Bradford) for service with the British Army, on a 1 Year Short Service Engagement for overseas service in South Africa. Prior to enlisting, Albert - who was employed as a Wool Sorter - cited being a member of the local 2nd Volunteer Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment.  After being posed to the Volunteer Company West Yorkshire Regiment, he then served overseas in South Africa where the Volunteer Draft Company were attached to 2nd Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment. His record of service was:

- Home: 08/02/1901 - 15/03/1901
- South Africa: 16/03/1901 - 26/02/1902

Edward was evidently a 'Patriot', as during the era of the Great War he is recorded serving in the British Army. Still a 'Wool Sorter', but now married with a wife and children, he had been residing at, 4 Wingfield Street, Barkerend Road, Bradford, when he attested for 'General Service' with the British Army at Bradford on, 24 November 1915. Edward was given the regimental number and posted to the West Riding Regiment (Duke of Wellington's). He embarked for overseas service in France, on 17 March 1917, where he disembarked at the port of Boulogne. On 18 March, 1917 he was posted to 2nd Battalion West Riding Regiment (Duke of Wellington's) and subsequently served with other units during his service in France. At the time of the compilation of the 1939 National Register for England & Wales, Edward was residing with his wife Annie Lawson (nee Howarth), at 131 Reevy Road, Wibsey, Bradford, Yorkshire, where he was still employed as a 'Wool Sorter', and is shown in the remarks column as being employed in a Civil Defence capacity as a 'Head Warden' with Air Raid Precaution, or A.R.P.  Edward Thomas Lawsonis recorded to have died at his Bradford, England on 15 June 1960, leaving his estate to his married daughter Edith Emily Brocklehurst 

Condition: Toned about GVF

Code: 26024