SPRATTON LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY

Lewis was born in July 1894 in Spratton, the son of Thomas Horne, a farm labourer from a long-established family in the village, and his wife Emma. They lived with their large family in a three-roomed cottage in Manor Road, Spratton. Three brothers served in the war –    Thomas, Arthur and Lewis. Thomas and Arthur returned safely, but Lewis was killed in     action in France.

Lewis volunteered in the Northamptonshire Regiment on 3 June 1915 aged 20. He was drafted to the Mediterranean in February 1916 and then to the Western Front in August that year. Having been transferred to the 8th Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment, he took part in many engagements until he was reported missing, presumed dead, at Vimy Ridge on 3 May 1917 aged 22 years.

Lewis has no known grave, but his name is on the Arras Memorial at Faubourg-D’Amiens cemetery.  He is also remembered on the War Memorial in Spratton churchyard.  He was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.