2/5th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers.

Awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in the London Gazette of 26 January 1918.

Lawson was a native of Burnley, Lancashire.

The citation for the Distinguished Conduct Medal published in the London Gazette reads, "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an attack on the enemy's lines. When all his Lewis-gun team had become casualties, and he was shot through the neck himself, he continued, with great pluck and determination, to keep his gun in action during the enemy counter attacks."