THE short life of Lee Lewis as read out by Burnt Mill Academy student Lucy.

With thanks to the Humanities Department of Burnt Mill Academy.

As well as Harlow Council’s Civic Fund and HTS Ltd.

Never forget.

Lee Lewis

Lee’s parents were Lee Lewis Snr. born in Dodleson, Cheshire in c.1859 and Matilda Bellis, born in Hawarden, Flintshire, Wales in c.1858. They married in Cheshire in 18931 and Lee Lewis was born in Sawbridgeworth in 18962.

The 1901 census shows Lee residing at Hill Gates, Eastwick with his parents and siblings; John, Peter, Ethel, Joseph, Florence and William. Lee Snr. was working at the local marine engine works. Lee Lewis Snr. died in Harlow in early 19073at the age of 48. Matilda died in Harlow in 19104 at the age of 52.

The 1911 census shows Lee residing with his siblings John, aged 25, Ethel, aged 21 and William, aged 12 in five rooms at 14 The Avenue, Burnt Mill. Lee was listed as an apprentice marine engineer with John Kirkaldy at Burnt Mill.

Private Lee Lewis, 14861, enlisted in Hertford on 5 October 1914, joining The Bedfordshire Regiment aged 19. The Machine Gun Corps was formed on 14 October 1915 and Private Lewis, 71080 joined The 54th Company of the Machine Gun Corps sometime thereafter. Over 170,500 men joined the company throughout the war with 12,498 of them being killed in action. The company was nicknamed ‘The Suicide Club’.

Lee died of his wounds on 12 August 1917 at the age of 21 and was awarded the DCM for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Lee is buried in Brandhoek New Military Cemetery, Belgium. Plot 5, row E, grave 17. Register Index Number Bel.7.