A VETERAN who spent the war years in Burma has been remembered by close friends and family at a graveside ceremony on the anniversary of his death.

Major John Henry Lawson's ashes were interred at Fulford Cemetery, in Fordlands Road, York, on Friday. He was 88 when he died on November 17 last year.

Born in York on February 25, 1917, Mr Lawson attended St Peter's School and sang in the choir of St Mary's Church, Castlegate, York, and St Michael's Church, Spurriergate.

Made a freeman of the city in 1938, he worked in sales for Terry's, both in York and London, and joined The Royal Fusiliers in London, in February, 1940.

Later that year, in June, he entered the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, and was commissioned to Second Lieutenant in October with the 2nd Battalion The West Yorkshire Regiment.

He married the late Grace Dorothy Lawson and, after the war, they had two children, Anthony and Diana. During the Second World War, he served in the Middle East, including Burma, Palestine and Iraq.

As part of the 5th Indian Division with the 2nd Battalion, he was posted to Northern Burma where he worked with natives sending information back about movements of Japanese forces.

He was promoted to captain and appointed Intelligence Officer for the battalion.

He served throughout the campaign in Burma and was promoted to Adjutant of the Battalion. In August, 1945, he took part in the Victory Parade in Rangoon.

He was later promoted to the rank of Major and appointed Commander of C' Company.

During the war, he was twice mentioned in Despatches for service in Burma.

After his service, he held a number of jobs, including 17 years as the secretary of the London-based Service Women's Club which was founded for serving and former women officers of the Armed Forces in the Second World War. It later became The Sloane Club.

He was a staunch member of the Burma Star Association service, becoming a life member in 1952 and taking on responsibility for the annual Burma Star Remembrance Parades to the Cenotaph for many years.

In retirement, he developed a great interest in watercolour painting and travelling frequently to America with his partner, Patricia Newsom.

"He was a wonderful man - a real English gentleman," she said.

"He lit up the place. He was gentle, warm, and very proud of his war service."

About 20 close family and friends attended the graveside service on Friday, including his cousin Norman Allen, of York.