Private Samuel Richard Lewis

 

Samuel Richard Lewis was born on 5 April 1895 at Ticosker, Arvagh, County Cavan, the third of four children of RIC constable Samuel Lewis and his wife Kate (née Johnston). At the time of the 1911 Census he was living at Ticosker with his parents and his two surviving siblings. Soon after the family moved to Trasna, Cornafanog, County Fermanagh.

Lewis enlisted in the 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons Service Squadron at Enniskillen on 2 October 1914 – the day recruiting opened for the squadron. He was issued regimental number UD/14. He embarked for France with his squadron on 6 October 1915. At the time they were serving as divisional cavalry to the 36th (Ulster) Division.

On 2 May 1916 Lewis and three other men of the squadron were sent to the 36th Divisional Signal Company for a course in visual signalling.

In June 1916 Lewis's squadron came together with C and F Squadrons of the North Irish Horse to form the 2nd North Irish Horse Regiment, serving as corps cavalry to X Corps.

At some point in 1916 or early 1917 Lewis fell ill and was evacuated to the UK. Diagnosed as suffering from 'neritis sciatic nerve, both legs', he was discharged on 30 June 1917, being 'no longer physically fit for war service' (paragraph 392 (xvi), King's Regulations). He was granted a pension, the illness being attributed to his military service. In December 1919 his level of disability was assessed at 30 per cent.

On 8 March 1920 Lewis joined the Royal Irish Constabulary. He was discharged two days later, however, having been declared medically unfit. On 28 December 1921 he married Emily Liddle in the Church of Ireland Parish Church, Enniskillen. His occupation at the time was 'constable RIC (Specials)' and his address Castle Barracks, Enniskillen.

His name is included on the Tempo Church of Ireland Roll of Honour.

 

 

Image of the Tempo Honour Roll kindly provided by Nigel Henderson, Researcher at History Hub Ulster.

 

This page last updated 31 March 2024.