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Soldier's name added to war memorial 50 years on

Ged Parker A close up of the names on a war memorial with UN Cyprus 1974, Lawson C visible at the top Ged Parker
Graeme Lawson's name has been added to Washington War Memorial in time for Remembrance Sunday

A soldier's name has been added to a war memorial more than 50 years after he died.

On 21 July 1974, Guardsman Graeme Lawson, from Barmston, Washington, became the first soldier to be killed while serving with the UN in Cyprus.

Ged Parker, chairman of the Washington History Society, approached Sunderland City Council to ask if the soldier could be included on Washington War Memorial.

"It just seemed the right thing to do," Mr Parker said.

Washington History Society A group of people stand around a Commonwealth war grave. A woman is laying a wreath, and a soldier stands by holding one. Washington History Society
Guardsman Lawson's uncle, Doug Melton (centre), was at a service in July to mark the 50th anniversary of his death

Guardsman Lawson is understood to have been killed when a weapon he was unloading exploded.

It was the 17-year-old's first posting and he had been in Cyprus for four weeks.

Turkish forces had invaded the island a day earlier in response to a military coup which was backed by the government of Greece.

He was buried in Washington, Sunderland, on 1 August 1974, leaving behind his parents and brothers and sisters.

Ged Parker A large war memorial is in the centre, with railings around it. Behind is a row of housing. Ged Parker
Up to 2,000 people are expected to attend Washington's Remembrance Day events

A service was held at his grave in July to mark the 50th anniversary of his death, with Guardsman Lawson's uncle Doug Melton attending.

Mr Parker said he was "delighted" Sunderland City Council gave permission and the stonemason managed to complete the work ahead of this year's Remembrance Sunday event at the memorial.

"We are expecting up to 2,000 people to come along so it will be very poignant to think that Graeme Lawson will now never be forgotten," he said.

"It will remind people of the sacrifices of all their relatives and forebears in many different wars in years gone past."

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