Lawrence, Cyril Oscar, Sir (Brigadier, b.1889 - d.1981), MC

Collection relating to the First World War service of Lieutenant Cyril Lawrence MC. Collection consists of three folders - the first contains a bound photocopy of a diary titled: "War diary of C Lawrence - Book 1 - Gallipoli - 1915, 2nd Field Company, Engineers AIF". This diary covers embarkation and voyage from Australia to Egypt on HMAT Hororata, the landing on Gallipoli, the campaign and the withdrawal. Book 1 of the diary ends on 15 December when Lawrence was evacuated from Gallipoli. This binding also includes photocopies of two letters written to his father, dated 1915 and 1916, a map of Gallipoli, some biographical notes, and a extracts from Lawrence's service record. The second folder contains a second bound photocopy of a diary titled: "The war diary of Cyril Lawrence, Book II, March to July 1916 - France". This diary covers the voyage to France on HMT Simla, journey through France by train, arrival at the Western Front, description of the French countryside and the farms, the ruined village of Fleurbaix, trench warfare, gas attacks, and mentions the battle the Somme and the capture of Fricourt. The third folder contains copies of maps, photographs, sketches and notes related to Gallipoli. See also PR86/266.

Lawrence was awarded the Military Cross on 28 December 1917. He returned to Australia in 1919. In the Second World War, Lawrence rose to the position of Chief Engineer, HQ 3rd Australian Corps, 5th Military District with the rank of Brigadier.