Born at Nottingham, England, CoE. Enlisted 8 September 1914, age 19, dairyman. Nok, relationship not stated, Mrs J. Holmes of Otranto, Orlando St, Cottesloe Beach. Embarked at Fremantle 2 November 1914 per A11 Ascanius. Served at Gallipoli 1915. In France 1916-1918. Wounded in the eye in France 11 August 1918. RTA December 1918 and discharged 25 March 1919. The citation for his Military Medal reads: ‘On 10th August 1918 Sgt Holmes led a patrol against an enemy machine gun position which was effectively holding up his Company’s advance. By his splendid coolness and skill he succeeded in capturing three prisoners and two machine guns besides inflicting many casualties on the enemy. His determination and prompt action enabled his company to continue their advance with comparatively few casualties. Sgt Holmes was badly wounded in the head in this operation but refused to leave until his platoon had gained their objective’. Commonwealth of Australia Gazette No. 109 15 September 1919. London Gazette 2nd supplement No. 31338 13 May 1919. In later years Lewis lived at Solomon St, Cottesloe Beach. A 1967 letter on file from a nephew claiming his medals, stated Sgt Holmes died at Melbourne in 1959 and his wife died a week later; they had no children. Award and Service medals: MM, 1914-1915 Star, BWM and VM.
