George Lewis

George Lewis (Service No 675), was born in Netherton, Durham, England, around 1880. The family came to Australia, settling in Keiraville, N.S.W.

George served in the Second Boer War, in South Africa, serving as Trooper Lewis (Service No 351), with 1st Commonwealth Horse, C Squadron, from March until July 1902.

At enlistment for World War 1, he was single, 34 years old, worked as a fruit grower and lived in Keiraville, N.S.W. He embarked on HMAT A8 Argyllshire, with Field Artillery Brigade 1, Ammunition Column, on 18th October 1914. George arrived on the Gallipoli Peninsula on 25th April 1915, and served until 21st June 1915, when he was wounded in action. He was evacuated to hospital for treatment of a gun shot wound to his face.

Letters printed in the South Coast Times tell of his wounding with some humour, as he states the bullet left him with 2 holes in his face that he could blow smoke from. George returned to duty on 28th July 1915, and served until 22nd October 1915, when he was evacuated sick with jaundice. He rejoined his unit in Egypt, then went to France on 20th May 1916. George saw service on the Western Front, and was transferred to 3rd Field Artillery Brigade, on 24th January 1917. On 7th October 1918, he was accidentally run over by an ammunition wagon, and was admitted to hospital for treatment of a contused foot. He was returned to Australia in March 1919 and discharged on 16th May 1919.

George died in Wollongong, N.S.W., in 1949.