James Walter LEWIS

Regimental number6289
Date of birth6 September 1880
Place of birthMinlacowie, South Australia
ReligionRoman Catholic
OccupationFarmer
AddressEsperance, Western Australia
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation35
Height5' 6.25"
Weight145 lbs
Next of kinSister, Lily Margaret SHARPE
Previous military serviceNil
Enlistment date17 April 1916
Place of enlistmentBlackboy Hill, Western Australia
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name16th Battalion, 20th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/33/4
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Fremantle, Western Australia, on board HMAT A23 Suffolk on 13 October 1916
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll32nd Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 23 September 1918
Discharge date2 December 1918
Family/military connectionsBrothers: 566 Corporal Archie Gordon LEWIS, 16th Bn, died of wounds, 1 September 1916; 115 Pte Charles Stephen LEWIS, 28th Bn, died of wounds, 14 August 1916;120 Pte John Percival LEWIS, 10th Light Horse Regiment, killed in action, 7 August 1915.
Other details

War service: Western Front

Wounded in action, 12 October 1917; remained at duty.

Applied for discharge, August 1918: 'My three brothers have all been killed in action during the present war, and I am the only remaining son of our family. I am 38 years of age and have done eighteen months continuous service with this Battalion. Both my parents are well on in years and I am their sole support. If I get killed they will be left destitute and I consider it my duty to get back and support them abd tend them in their last years. I consider that my family has done its duty toward the Empire and I trust that this application will meet with success.' Application approved, 29 August 1918.

Commenced return to Australia on board HT 'Runic', 23 September 1918; discharged (family reasons: 3 brothers killed), Perth, 2 December 1918.

Medals: British War Medal, Victory Medal
Date of death14 September 1973
Age at death93
Place of burialKarrakatta Cemetery, Western Australia
SourcesNAA: B2455, LEWIS James Walter