Hubert William Lewis VC

Name: Hubert William Lewis

Conflict: First World War

Gazetted: December 15, 1916

Service: Army

Place/date of birth: Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire/May 1, 1896

Rank when awarded VC (and later highest rank): Private

Date of bravery: October 22/23, 1916

London Gazette citation:

No. 16224 Pte. Herbert William Lewis, Welsh R.

For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty during a raid.

On reaching the enemy trenches Private Lewis was twice wounded, but refused to be attended to, and showed great gallantry in searching enemy dug-outs. He was again wounded and again refused attendance. At this point three of the enemy were observed to be approaching, and Private Lewis immediately attacked them single-handed, capturing all.

Subsequently, during the retirement, he went to the assistance of a wounded man, and under heavy shell and rifle fire brought him to our lines, on reaching which he collapsed. Private Lewis showed throughout a brilliant example of courage, endurance and devotion to duty.

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Other decorations: N/A

Place/date of death: Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire/February 22, 1977

Grave/memorials: St Katharine’s Cemetery, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire; War Memorial, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire; Milford Haven Museum, Pembrokeshire

Origin of VC to the Lord Ashcroft collection: Purchased privately, 1999

Current location of VC: Displayed on rotation at The Lord Ashcroft Gallery: Extraordinary Heroes exhibition, Imperial War Museum