John Charles LEWIS

Regimental number1228
Place of birthPort Melbourne Victoria
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationHorse driver
Address43 Nott Street, Port Melbourne, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation25
Next of kinMother, Mrs Ellen Lewis, 43 Nott Street, Port Melbourne, Victoria
Enlistment date15 February 1916
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll13 March 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name38th Battalion, D Company
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/55/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A54 Runic on 20 June 1916
Rank from Nominal RollLance Corporal
Unit from Nominal Roll38th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Mention in Despatches


Awarded, and promulgated, 'London Gazette' No. 30706, 25 May 1918; 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 165, 24 October 1918.
Recommendation date: 3 March 1918

Distinguished Conduct Medal


Altered to Military Medal.
Recommendation date: 15 August 1918

FateReturned to Australia 4 January 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'Near PROYART on 11th August, 1918, Lance Corporal LEWIS and Private E.A.G. SMITH volunteered to go out and clear out a German position which was causing many casualties to his platoon. These 2 men had to crawl out to the post, under fire all the time, and bombed the post and then rushed it. They killed two of the garrison and captured the remainder with 3 machine guns. Having disposed of this post they then mopped up two others and returned with a total of 11 prisoners. Lance Corporal LEWIS showed qualities of leadership and bravery out of the ordinary and by his actions removed a source of great danger to his platoon and enabled a further advance of the line to be carried out.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 61
Date: 23 May 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal