Lawrence, F (Frederick)

Lawrence, F (Frederick)
Private Frederick Lawrence was born in Kausili, India. He was the son of Fred Lawrence, of Ipswich and husband of Margaret Lawrence, of 2, Orchard Lane, Londonderry. He left four children. His family were living at 15, Bridge Street and from here he made his final journey on the 11th of March 1915.
Frederick originally enlisted in the 1st Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, pre-1900. His career included serving in the Boer War and several early battles of the First World War.
During the Boer War, he took part in The Battle of Tugela Heights,[1] which was the fourth attempt to relieve Ladysmith. It lasted from the 14th until the 27th of February 1900, with the British winning and the Boers abandoning the siege. They entered Ladysmith on the 1st of March 1900.
Frederick was also involved in the Battle of Bergendal,[2] where 5 thousand Boers faced 20 thousand British Empire forces. It lasted from the 21st to the 27th of August 1900, with the British winning and breaching the Boer army’s lines.
The 1st Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers were based in India in 1914. At the beginning of 1915 they arrived back in England and came under the command of the 87th Brigade in the 29th Division. At the end of February, Frederick was invalided home.
March found the 1st Battalion leaving and setting sail for Gallipoli. They landed there at Cape Helles on the 25th of April. At this point, Private Lawrence had unfortunately passed away from pneumonia.
He was awarded the Victory, British War Medal, 1914-15 Star and clasp. Previously he was awarded the Kings South African Badge and clasps for Belfast, Cape Colony, Tugela Heights, and the relief of Ladysmith.
Date of Death: 09/03/1915 (Aged 38)
Service: Private, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, 1st Battalion.
Service Number: 5955
Burial Location: Londonderry (or Derry), City Cemetery, M. D. 589.
[1] The Battle of Tugela Heights was also known as the Battle of Thukela.
[2] Battle of Bergendal was also known as the battle of Dalmanutha or the battle of Belfast.