Lewis, Eric
Personal Information
Rank | Sgt |
Forename(s) | Eric |
Surname | Lewis |
Gender | M |
Age | 20 |
Decorations | |
Date of Death | 21-04-1943 |
Next of Kin | Son of Alfred and Jean Lewis, of Kendal, Westmorland. |
Aircraft Information
Aircraft | Short Stirling III |
Serial Number | BK714 |
Markings | OJ-L |
Memorial Information
Burial/Memorial Country | Denmark |
Burial/Memorial Place | Esbjerg (Fourfelt) Cemetery |
Grave Reference | Coll. grave A. 10. 10-15. |
Epitaph | DEATH DOTH BUT HIDE, HE IS JUST ON CHRIST'S OTHER SIDE |
IBCC Memorial Information
Phase | 2 |
Panel Number | 198 |
Enlistment Information
Service Number | 1097776 |
Service | Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve |
Group | 3 |
Squadron | 149 (East India) |
Trade | Air Bomber |
Country of Origin | United Kingdom |
Other Memorials
Location | St. George's Church, Methwold, Norfolk |
Country | United Kingdom |
Memorial Type | Roll of Honour & inscribed window |
Memorial Text | Roll of Honour of 149 Sqn RAF and a window remembering the men and women of all Nations who served at RAF Methwold, 1939-1945 |
Miscellaneous Information
Sgt Lewis's skipper, Sqn Ldr Howell, along with the rest of the crew, became a PoW for the remainder of the war but went on to fly Concorde in a flying career spanning more than 40 years. |
On the strength of 102 Sqn, according to CWGC records |
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
The National Archives
Last Operation Information
Start Date | 20-04-1943 |
End Date | 21-04-1943 |
Takeoff Station | Lakenheath |
Day/Night Raid | Night (99% moon) |
Operation | Rostock. 86 Stirlings to attack the Henkel factory. A deliberate smoke screen hid the factory and the bombing was scattered as a result. 8 losses (9.3%). |
Reason for Loss | Flew into the ground while flying low to avoid flak, NNE of Esbjerg, Denmark |