Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War M.C. and Bar group of three awarded to Major H. S. Lewis, Royal Sussex Regiment and Tank Corps

Military Cross, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar, unnamed as issued; British War and Victory Medals (Major H. S. Lewis.) edge bruising, good very fine (3) £1400-1800

M.C. London Gazette 24 June 1916:
‘For conspicuous gallantry when leading a patrol. After his party had been discovered and fired at by machine-guns he coolly completed his reconnaissance under heavy fire. With two lance-corporals he carried back a wounded man of his party under the same heavy fire. He has shown complete contempt of danger.’

M.C. Second Award Bar London Gazette 9 January 1918:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when adjutant of the battalion. Throughout the operations he rendered his battalion commander most excellent service. When the battalion was counter-attacked he passed along the line encouraging and directing his men by his cheerfulness and contempt for danger. Though rendered unconscious by a shell he remained at duty on regaining consciousness he set a magnificent example to all.’

Henry Steedman Lewis attested for the Inns of Court Officer’s Training Corps on 31 December 1914, and was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Royal Sussex Regiment on 31 March 1915. He served during the Great War with the 11th (Service) Battalion, as part of 116th Brigade, 39th Division, on the Western Front from 1916, was wounded in action, and was twice decorated for his gallantry. Promoted Captain on 13 February 1917, he subsequently transferred to the Tank Corps and retired with the rank of Major. Following the War he emigrated to Brazil, and did not claim his British War and Victory Medals until 1934.

Note: An M.C. and Bar, privately named and attributed to Major Lewis, together with some supporting documentation but without any officially named Medals to him, is known exist.