Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Harold Leslie Lewis was 24 years old when he first joined the war, he worked as a draftsman. He enlisted on the 12th of August 1915. His last rank in WW1 was Lieutenant and was a part of the 1st Army Troops Company Engineers. 

Harold Leslie Lewis was born in Adelaide, South Australia, 11 June 1888, he lived in Norwood South Australia. Harold Leslie Lewis was 24 years old when he filled out this form, it states that he was 6-foot ¼, his weight was 173lbs (78kg). his chest measurements were 36.39 inches (92cm). His face features and hair were dark most likely black or brown.

He began his journey at Sydney departing on the ship, New South Wales aboard HMAT Ceramic on 24 November 1915. He was a member of the Field Company Engineers as he was a draftsman. 

Harold Leslie Lewis was essential when it came to the running of the war. Without engineers, other branches of the Allied Forces would have found it difficult to cross the muddy and shell-ravaged ground of the Western Front. Harold’s responsibilities included constructing the lines of defence, temporary bridges, tunnels and trenches, observation posts, roads, railways, communication lines, buildings of all kinds, showers and bathing facilities, and other material and mechanical solutions to the problems associated with fighting in all theatres.

The ‘Johnston’ Shower is one example of initiative that can be found in the engineers’ war diaries. The shower was constructed in the field by the 1st Field Company of Engineers, in July 1918, around Strazeele near Hazebrouck. Harold Leslie Lewis was a part of the 1st field company of engineers. The engineers in this 1st field company of engineers had the idea to create the shower using materials salvaged from retreating German forces. Harold and the engineers that were in his field designed a shower that weighed only 40 pounds (around 18 kilograms) and could provide hot and cold water. A technical drawing of this shower is shown above.

23/5/16 Harold Leslie Lewis was infected with Conjunctivitis, the eye infection may have been caused by bacteria, virus, allergies, or dust. The affects included pink or red eyes and possible sticky white discharge. 

5/8/16 Harold Leslie Lewis was wounded in action. His right hand was wounded by shrapnel at the Albert Front in France. 

9/9/16 Harold Leslie Lewis was cleared to re-join the war, in Belgium. He spent the last month preparing to go back out in the war. He may have been doing rehabilitation to make sure he was ready to fight again.

30/12/16 Harold Leslie Lewis was promoted to Corporal in France. In World War I, a soldier being promoted to the rank of corporal meant they were given increased responsibilities, leadership roles, and authority within their military unit. 

After the warhe went back to living at Norwood. Harold Leslie Lewis’ cemetery is he centennial park, south Australia, and his is on the memorial on the Payneham district council role of honour. Harold Leslie Lewis died in Adelaide, South Australia on the 23 October 1961 he was 73 years old.