In WW1 Lewis was 20 years old and a Private in the 11th Battalion (Cardiff Pals), The Welch Regiment when he was awarded the Victoria Cross. On 22/23 October 1916 at Macukovo (now Efzoni) near Serres in Greece, on the Solonika front, Private Lewis was wounded twice on raids of the enemy trenches and refused assistance. He was wounded a third time on reaching the trenches and again refused assistance. Three of the enemy approached him and Lewis attacked and single handed captured all three. He later went to the aid of Lieutenant Edgar Taylor and, under heavy fire, carried him back to safety after a two hour decent over rough ground. He later collapsed.
His V.C is on display at The Lord Ashcroft Gallery at the Imperial War Museum.
He was also awarded the Medaille Militaire by France.
| Unit or location | Role | Posted from | until |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aberdaugleddau Patrol | Patrol Leader | Unknown | 03 Dec 1944 |
| Milford Haven Patrol | Patrol Leader | Unknown | 03 Dec 1944 |
Ice factory foreman
Known to all as Stokey he was a local hero having been awarded the Victoria Cross in 1916 when in Salonika. He can be seen as Prince Charles presents new colours to Royal Regiment of Wales at Cardiff in 1969. [49 seconds in]
Auxilier Charles Shrives recalled, "Stokey always wanted the best out of the section. He set high standards and was very efficient with weapons. On one occasion he stripped down a Thompson Sub machine gun and discovered another way of fixing the firing mechanism. Although he acted against orders, the details were forwarded to HQ. As the groups sniper he was cool and fearless."
Stokey was paid a disablement claim 27-29 March 1943.
Stokey's son, Vernon Charles Lewis was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal after being killed in a bombing raid over Germany in August 1943.
TNA ref WO199/389
Hancock data held at B.R.A
1939 Register
The Story of Stokey Lewis by Walter Ireland
British Pathe News.
Hayley Pilgrim