LEWIS, THOMAS CRIPPS DSO MID CDG

Served with the Royal Montreal Regiment prior to the 7 Recce.

Assigned to the Regiment on March 20, 1944.

Killed in action by friendly fire.

On October 17, 1944 Lewis and his driver were in an attempt to link up with the Régiment de la Chaudiere. As they approached the region of 'Balhofstede' (Oudemansdijk, IJzendijke, Netherlands) their jeep came under machine gun fire from Germans hidden in the farm buildings. Both men dived into a ditch and were pinned down. Moments later Canadian Artillery shelled on their position, killing Lewis instantly and wounded his driver. The Germans took the driver prisoner in one of the farm buildings. Late night the driver was released.

Awarded the Distinguished Service Order medal, Mentioned In Dispatches, French Croix de Guerre.

For the breakthrough to Falaise, France on August 14, 1944 the 7 recce (17 DYRCH) was given the task of flank protection of recce ahead of Division. As tanks arrived on the river Laison the crossing proved very much more difficult than anticipated and it became essential to find a crossing rapidly. 

Seeing this situation, Lt-Col. Lewis, proceeded ahead of his troops and though enemy fire, he personally directed the troops over the river. He then proceeded to a hill-crest in order to wireless this information to Division H.Q. While so doing he was singled out by an 88mm canon. Though shells were falling around his lightly armoured vehicle, Lt-Col. Lewis continued transmitting until he was certain the information has been received.

Later on August 14, 1944, Lt-Col. Lewis had a Universal Carrier shot out from under him. With remarkable coolness he quickly obtained another vehicle and continued to relay vital information which allowed his Division Commander to launch the reserve troops at the appropriate moment. 

Lt-Col. Lewis his dash and great coolness undoubtedly had a marked influence in spurring his Regiment to seize and hold initial ground ahead of the tanks and infantry, thus ensuring the complete success of the operation. (D.S.O. award.)

Plot 9 | Row D | Grave 11

" IN LOVING MEMORY. BETTY AND TOM. LEWIS AND YEATES FAMILIES "