Lawrence took charge of the 1st battalion Herefordshire Regiment and embarked for France. He fought at Second Marne and won a bar to his DSO during the battle, the award citation praising his "magnificent example of leadership and courage" in the action during which he was wounded in the side and the arm. The citation went on to say that "his personal influence had the most inspiring effect on officers and men". He went on to win the Légion d'Honour Croix de Chevalier for his leadership in support of a French attack near Soissons, but was then hospitalised in England and removed from the strength of the battalion in at the end of August. As well as his DSO and bar, he was mentioned in dispatches four times during the war.