William “Billy” Tyas Lawton (1920-1999) [75866, Captain, 2/7th Battalion, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment]
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- born 2 June 1920
- son of Norman Tyas Lawton & Hilda (née Haigh)
- married 1945 to Joan Pogson
Articles:
- Huddersfield Examiner (10/Aug/1940) – News of Men in the Forces
- Huddersfield Examiner (17/Aug/1940) – News of Some Men in the Forces
- Huddersfield Examiner (05/Apr/1941) – Prisoner of War Engaged
- Huddersfield Daily Examiner (17/Apr/1992) – Captivated by Colditz
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Huddersfield Daily Examiner 27 November 1999:
Colditz veteran dies aged 79
A one-time prisoner of war who made brave attempts to escape from Colditz – and helped others to freedom – has died at the age of 79.
Retired textile mill managing director Mr William Tyas Lawton, of Thongsbridge, died at Scissett Mount nursing home.
He made two freedom bids during his imprisonment in the infamous Nazi fortress of Colditz, where he was held for almost four years.
Both were unsuccessful and he was finally liberated by Americans at the end of the war.
Mr Lawton, a captain in the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, was later managing director of Fred Lawton (Sude Hill) Ltd, worsted manufacturers at New Mill, the family business founded by his grandfather.
His recollections have attracted attention and publicity over the years and he was popular as a speaker with local organisations.
In his first escape effort, Mr Lawton dressed as a Belgian workman and walked boldly out of the front gates before he was stopped, questioned and brought back.
The second time, he and five other men wriggled through a 2ft square tunnel 25 yards long to get 100 miles clear of the camp before being stopped and checked.
Mr Lawton did manage to help others on their way to freedom.
After the war he returned to the factory. During the 1970s the firm was incorporated with Allied Textiles Ltd until it closed in 1996.
Until 1997 Mr Lawton worked for for Mileta Sports, Heckmondwike.
He leaves a wife, a daughter and two granddaughters.
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