Private Charles Walter Lewis

Born on 31 January 1887 in Ottawa, Ontario - husband of Maud Albert Lewis, Ottawa, Ontario - son of James and Catherine Lewis, Ottawa, Ontario - at the time of his enlistment in 1915: trade as electrician; married; currently a member of the 43rd Duke of Cornwall's Own Rifles bugle band; no previous military experience; Church of England; height of 5 feet 5.5 inches; chest of 37 inches fully expanded; dark complexion; light blue eyes; light brown hair.

Joined the 59th Battalion, CEF, in Ottawa, Ontario, on 31 May 1915 - transferred to the 38th Battalion, CEF, on 22 June 1915 (number 410810) - served with the 38th Battalion during its period of garrison duty in Bermuda - landed in France with the 38th Battalion on 13 August 1916 - killed in action on 18 November 1916 - buried in Regina Trench Cemetery (grave V.D.15), France.

Recommended for an unnamed decoration, but no award made - unit recommendation dated 21 November 1916: "In attack on Desire Trench Nov. 18/16, he rendered valuable aid in performance of his duties as S.B.  He was killed while dressing a wounded comrade."

(Updated with an image of Pte Lewis' headstone in Regina Trench Cemetery that I took in August 2012).

(sources: Library and Archives Canada (www.collectionscanada.gc.ca), online attestation papers; Canadian War Museum, 19740281-001, Manu 58F 2 3, 207th Canadian Infantry Battalion and 38th Canadian Infantry Battalion, Nominal Roll; The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa Regimental Museum, A400-0007, Master Personnel List for the 38th Canadian Infantry Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force; Commonwealth War Graves Commission, "Debt of Honour" register, www.cwgc.org; Canadian War Museum, 19680229-001, Manu 58C 1 2.18, Honours and Awards, 38th Battalion (Records of recommendations for honours and awards and mentioned in dispatches 19161121 19190117)