Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.C., D.C.M. group of five awarded to Captain C. H. Lewis, Royal Field Artillery

Military Cross, G.V.R., reverse contemporarily engraved ‘Lieut. C. H. Lewis. D.C.M. 119th. Bty. R.F.A. 1918.’; Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (54513 Sjt: C. H. Lewis. 53/By: R.F.A.); 1914 Star, with clasp (54513 Cpl. C. Lewis. R.F.A.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt. C. H. Lewis.) light contact marks, very fine (5) £1,800-£2,200

M.C. London Gazette 11 January 1919:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When all the officers of the battery were wounded this officer took command and, assisted by two new officers, led it with great success, moving several times and on each occasion coming quickly into action again in well-selected positions. A few days later, during a pause in a covering barrage , he made a forward reconnaissance and led his battery to a better position for recommencing the barrage.’

D.C.M. London Gazette 13 February 1917:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He has shown great courage and determination on many occasions, repeatedly repairing wires under very heavy fire.’

Clifford Hugh Lewis was born in Cardiff in 1891 and attested for the Royal Field Artillery at Newport on 22 December 1908, having previously served with the Royal Horse and Field Artillery Special Reserve. He served with the 53rd Battery, 2nd Brigade, Royal Field Artillery during the Great War on the Western Front from 11 September 1914, and had several spells in hospital with fever. In February 1917, he was granted additional pay whilst performing duties of Battery Rough Rider, and was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal the same month. A month later, on 16 March 1917, he received a commission in the field as Second Lieutenant.

In October 1917 Lewis suffered from gas poisoning and was hospitalised. Recovering, he was advanced Captain and was awarded the Military Cross. He returned to civilian life in 1919 in Peckham, London, but was recalled briefly between April and June 1921 due to a National Emergency being declared due to widespread strike action in Britain. He died in 1944.

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