Donald Forsyth Lawson graduated from the University of Melbourne in 1933 and his early appointments included that of resident medical officer at the Royal Melbourne Hospital in 1934. He passed the diploma in gynaecology and obstetrics at Melbourne in 1936 and following this was medical superintendent at the Women' Hospital Melbourne, in 1936 and 1937. He then came to England to pursue his postgraduate studies, passing the MRCOG in 1938 and the FRCS in the following year. He served in the Australian Imperial Force from 1943 to 1946, mainly in the South West Pacific area and was surgical specialist with the rank of Major. He passed the FRACS in 1945 and after the war was appointed consultant gynaecological surgeon at the Royal Women's Hospital in Melbourne. At a later stage from 1968 to 1975 he was gynaecologist at the Repatriation General Hospital, Concord. He played an important role in the Victoria State Committee of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in Australia and in 1961 suggested the institution of the Regional Council's gold medal in the MRCOG examination. The presentation of this medal was established by Australia, jointly with Canada, New Zealand and South Africa. He was appointed Chairman of the Victoria State Committee on 15 March 1962 and during his term of office quarterly clinical meetings commenced. These have offered an opportunity for younger members to present their observations, experiences and original work to contemporaries and senior colleagues. In 1963 he organised a symposium and display to commemorate the bicentenary of the death of William Smellie "the master of British midwifery". His services to obstetrics were recognised by the award of the FRCOG in 1956 and after retiring from practice he died in 1983 aged around 74. Sadley, nothing is known about his private life.