Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Captain

Awarded on:

July 11th, 1940

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Major

Unit:

11th Hussars, Divisional Troops, 7th Armoured Division, British Army

Awarded on:

October 14th, 1943

For the outstanding skill and courage with which he has commanded his Squadron.

From August 1942 to January 23rd 1943, Major Lawon commanding his Squadron with outstanding skill and courage

In August and September his Squadron was daily subjected to the most vicious and persistent air attacks near MOGHRA. His cheerful and fearless behaviour during this period was a fine example to all: his squadron succeeded in destroying one ME.109

During Oct 23rd - 25th, he was responsible for providing officers and report centres at the minefield gaps for 22nd Armoured Brigade. Two out of three officers were killed and it was largely due to his own personal efforts under the most intense artillery fire that communications were maintained at a critical period. On November 6th, his squadron located 21st Panzer Div South of SIDI HANEISH, and while collecting valuable information which greatly assisted 22nd Armoured Brigade in their successful engagement, he also managed to pass two troops through the enemy anti-tank screen, thereby capturing eleven lorrie and 150 Germans.

At a later date, after a difficult night march in pouring rain, he succeeded in outing the BENGHAZI - AGEDABIA main road; his squadron were the first British troops to enter BENGHAZI. Near TARHUNA he captured at dawn the view point from which, later in the day, the divisional fire plan was directed. Throughout the advance from EL ALEMEIN to TRIPOLI, Major Lawson led his Squadron with exceptional ability and courage; four out of five of his troop leaders were killed in action but due to this pertinacity and the fact that he invariably elucidated the situation by his own personal observation when events became confused, the concatenation and accuracy of his information never suffered. Under heavy shelling and persistent air attacks, his personal bravery and endurance were an outstanding example to all under his command."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel

Unit:

HQ, II Corps, Fifth Army, U.S. Army

Awarded on:

June 21st, 1945

"Lieutenant Colonel John C. A.D. Lawson, 11th Hussars, Eighth British Army. For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service as advisor and military observer with the II Corps, United States Army in Tunisia between 23 March 1943 and 8 May 1943. At all times during this period he was an inspiration to the Battalion to which he was attached and to all troops with which he came in contact because of his utter disregard for his own safety and welfare. He continually inspired front line troops by his coolness, courage, leadership, dash and gallantry. Many times he substituted for the Commanding Officer or Executive Officer of the Battalion on important inspections and Command Post duties because of the shortages of officers. On one occasion he was slightly wounded on a mission for the Battalion."