LAWRENCE, Christie Norman

Primary tabs

Rank: 
Lieutenant (Honorary Captain)
Unit / Base: 
8 Commando
'Layforce'
Regiment/Corps: 
Somerset Light Infantry
Service: 
Army
Number: 
124143
P.O.W. number: 
5012
P.O.W. camps: 
Oflag IX-A/H (9A/H), Spangenberg, Germany
Stalag 111-D (3D), Berlin-Steglitz Germany
Honours & Awards: 
Mentioned in Despatches
Order of the White Eagle (Yugoslavia)

Christie Norman Lawrence was commissioned Second Lieutenant 9 March 1940. Reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete later confirmed to be a prisoner of war. He escaped and joined General Mihailovic's Chetnik Forces in Yugoslavia. Later recaptured and transported to Germany. Mentioned in Despatches. 
King Peter of Yugoslavia bestowed upon him the Order of the White Eagle 5th Class for his courage. Relinquished commission 18 November 1953 granted honorary rank of Captain*.

Sources
Commission - London Gazette 34813, page 1619.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/2 (2 entries) and WO417/9.
Foreign to British Awards / National Archives file WO373/145/49.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/1 and WO392/11.
MiD - London Gazette 37787, page 5606.
*London Gazette 40016, page 6147.

Additional content: 
'Rearguard action on Crete'
Archive pages : 
No 8 Commando
Layforce
Prisoners of War

Ask Questions / Add Information / Add Photos

Use the Archive Forum for research enquiries, or to add information or photos. [register now]. 
Read some frequently asked questions here [FAQ's].
Contact the Archive via the [contact form].
 
All content is researched and administered by the Commando Veterans Archive.