Private John Lewis wearing the ‘Tram Guards’ uniform provided by the City and replaced by khaki in early 1915. Courtesy Helen Wolfenden
Following a visitor on GUEST BOOK this post made to remember John William Lewis of 17th Battalion Manchester Regiment. John Was Killed in Action at Guillemont on 30th July 1916 with records showing he had been born and resident in Pendleton, Salford. He has no known grave and in common with many men from the Battalion, John is commemorated at Thiepval Memorial
These images (Click to enlarge) show John Lewis in the Roll of XIV Platoon of D Company. The Platoon photo doesn’t identify individuals, although Lieutenant Whittall is clearly visible, sat in the middle of the 2nd row. Other notable members of the Platoon include 9014 George Royle DCM as well as 8197 Sergeant Mark Jackson who had been posted to Arthur Bell’s III Platoon when he was killed by a sniper on 1st July 1916
Courtesy Helen Wolfenden
John’s Medal Index Card (MIC) confirms his entry to France with the majority of the Battalion on 8th November 1915. This entitled him to 1914/15 Star, along with the British War Medal and Victory Medal. His relatively low 8*** Regimental Number suggest Private Lewis had enlisted on 2nd September 1914, alongside Arthur Bell, on the first day recruitment started for the 2nd City Battalion – Pals.
Further details have been added with the help of Helen Wolfenden – John’s gt gt niece. Helen had numerous photos of her extended family including John Lewis as a boy and a young man with his sisters.
John Lewis and family. Courtesy Helen Wolfenden
Helen should also make inquiries on http://themanchesters.org/forum/index.php Mack and Harribobs have already researched John for another family member – Pippa Lewis – as shown with a photo here. http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=210178.0
Book of Honour
Pippa confirms the further initial of John William G. Lewis which leads to the likely Roll of Honour for J W G Lewis of the Callico Printers Association at Poland Street.
Also see http://salfordwarmemorials.proboards.com/ A photo is available showing John’s commemoration on St Thomas’ Church, Pendleton and St Ann’s Church Brindleheath Memorial boards.
Courtesy Helen Wolfenden
17th Battalion Manchester Regiment on the Somme 
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We always thought my great great uncle John Lewis was John Wilson Lewis (after his father) but is in fact John William G Lewis. It was a struggle to find him – more so as my mum and her cousin were told that he died after the war was over – it is all a bit odd as we have since found a little silk bookmark that must have belonged to my great gran with his photo glued to it and date of death as 31 July 1916.
If anyone wants to get in touch – I have photos of him and his family – Pippa if you read this – it would be lovely to hear from you. John and his brother in law John (Jack) Hughes cycled to Southport and on the way home went and joined up. I have photos of Jack too. Any family members are very welcome to get in touch.
Morning Helen,
It’s great to hear from you again. It would be wonderful to add photos of William to the post and any other anecdotes like the cycling to Southport. Feel free to use this page as ‘your’ post. I’ll prob. add a separate post from Jack.
Good practice directs that I should stop emails being published, to avoid Spam attack -so I deleted yours. Rest assured I will pass on any missives from other family members.
Cheers
Tim
many thanks Tim