Hi Drew, Great photos,... is there any further info on Pilot Officer A. G. Lewis - obviously 'a man in a hurry!'..... (sorry! couldn't resist it). Regards, Tom.
85 Squadron, Croydon. Hurricane P3151. Landed at base under carriage jammed up following combat with Bf 109's over Kenley 2.15 pm. P/O A.G. Lewis unhurt. Aircraft VY-Y damaged but repairable.
249 Squadron, North Weald. Hurricane V6617. Shot down during combat over Faversham and crashed at Blackett's Farm, Tonge 2.20 pm. Pilot Officer A.G. Lewis baled out badly burned and admitted to Faversham Cottage Hospital. Aircraft GN-R a write-off. Site escavated by Kent Battle Of Britain Museum and remains of burned ot Rolls Royce Merlin engine, control column and various fragments recovered. Posts 14-15 ATB's Battle of Britain. Note: All aircraft are atleast the same Sqn
Pilot Officer Albert Gerald Lewis. South African 85 and 249 Squadrons. Born in Kimberley in 1918, Lewis was educated at the high school there. He joined the RAF on a short service commission in August 1938. Lewis was with 616 Squadron in 1939 and went to 504 Squadron at Debden in March 1940. He joined 85 Squadron in France in early April. On May 19 he shot down five enemy aircraft before he was himself shot down over Lille. He was awarded the DFC (26 June 1940) On August 18 1940 Lewis probably destroyed a Bf 110, on the 31st a Bf 109, on September 15th a He 111, on the 18th a Bf 109 and on the 27th three Bf 109s, two Bf 110s and a Ju 88. He was shot down during a combat over Faversham on September 28, baled out, badly burned, and was admitted to Faversham Cottage Hospital. His Hurricane V6617 crashed at Blacketts Farm, Tonge. He was awarded a Bar the DFC on 22 October 1940. In May 1941 Lewis was posted to 52 OUT, Debden and became CO of ‘C’ Squadron there. He took command of 261 Squadron at China Bay, Ceylon in March 1942. Lewis led the squadron against a Japanese carrier-based aircraft attack on Trincomalee on April 9 1942. He was wounded and did not return to his squadron. Lewis returned to the UK in June 1942. He was released from the RAF in 1946 as a Squadron Leader. ‘Men of the Battle of Britain’ - Wynn.
Ahh great photo's. And who said the Brits don't have white teeth!!! Hi and welcome to the forum. ps He's South African Cheers Andy
Hi Hope this helps with anyone who wants info on A G Lewis SOUTH AFRICAN AIR ACES OF WORLD WAR II - Nos. 5 & 6 - South African Military History Society Regards Joe
