John Gibb Lawrie

Lost at Sea on the 24/11/1916 after boat struck a mine laid by a German U-Boat in the North Sea

All 3 brothers died within 9 months of each other. See Directory for John's brothers Alexander and William's pages. Also see Pension Records for all 3 brothers whose Pensions were awarded to their mother Agnes. John's boat hit a mine laid by a German U-Boat. This happened near the Newarp light vessel in the North Sea. There were no survivors from the 12 man crew. After the First World War, an appropriate way had to be found of commemorating those members of the Royal Navy who had no known grave, the majority of deaths having occurred at sea where no permanent memorial could be provided. The Portsmouth Naval Memorial was unveiled by the Duke of York (the future George VI) on the 15th October 1924. Portsmouth Naval Memorial commemorates around 10,000 sailors of the First World War and almost 15,000 of the Second World War. Many thanks to my friend Dom for the photo (3) of John's name on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial. John is also remembered on the Coatbridge Technical College and Coats Parish Churches Rolls of Honour and at the Family Plot in Old Monkland Cemetery (see photos). See photos for John's Newspaper clippings x 2, his name on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial x 3, his name on the Naval Casualties Index, his Naval Medal and Award Rolls, his CWGC Grave Registration, his name on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial Panel List, the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Blazer Badge and John's Pension Records x 3 (all 3 Lawrie brothers listed).