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Auction: 25111 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 580

The poignant campaign group of four awarded to Private W. B. Lawton, 1/5th Battalion, The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment, who took his own life whilst on leave home on 24 January 1944

1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp, 8th Army; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45, with Army Council condolence slip in the name of 'Pte. W. B. Lawton' and postage box, this addressed to his mother 'Mrs. S. Lawton. 25. Ridley. Ave, Chester-le-Street, Co. Durham', good very fine, together with his cap badge (4)

William Brabant Lawton was born in October 1915, the son of Sarah & William Brabant Gray Lawton of Chester-le-Street, Durham. He enlisted into The Queen's Regiment on 18 April 1940 and served overseas with the 1/5th Battalion in North Africa & Italy. Whilst on leave home - probably for Christmas - he sadly committed suicide on 24 January 1944, his body being found decapitated on the railway lines near Black Path, some 300 yards south of Chester-le-Street railway station. He is buried in the Ropery Lane Cemetery under a C.W.G.C. headstone, which reads 'His life a beautiful memory. Worth of everlasting remembrance.'

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Estimate

Starting price
£40