Captain, 5th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers.
Died of wounds, 29th June 1916, age 23.
Buried in Fillievres British Cemetery, France.
Student of science.
Laurence was born at Hindley Green, near Wigan, in 1892 to William Henry and Emma Bloy. He was educated at Hindley and Abram Grammar School, entered Manchester University in 1911 to study science and had obtained his Inter BSc. At the time war broke out. He was a keen sportsman.
Laurence joined the Univeristy Officer Training Corps in 1911 and was promoted to Lieutenant at the beginning of 1915. In March that year he became a Captain and left for France in early May where he became Adjutant of the 5th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers. He was reported missing after taking part in a raid on the German trenches on 28th June 1916 during which he was seen to be fighting against great odds. It was reported that he had led his men to the German parapet where he was attacked by four Germans, including an officer, whom he knocked down with the butt of his rifle. Laurence was severely wounded during this action and carried away by the Germans, but died the following day. Initially listed as missing he was listed as having died of wounds whilst a prisoner in February 1917. He was remembered by his officers and men as “one who was unfailing, in energy and had an utter contempt of danger”.
Originally buried in the German extension at Boiry St Rictrude Churchyard he was exhumed and reburied at Fillievres British Cemetery in August 1924. He left effects worth £92 0s 6d to his father.