A Great War 1916 ‘Somme’ M.M. and 1917 Second Award Bar group of four awarded to Sergeant T. Lewins, 7th (Service) Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry

Military Medal, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar (16788 L. Cpl. T. Lewins. 7/Som: L.I.); 1914-15 Star (16788 Pte. T. Lewins. Som: L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (16788 Cpl. T. Lewins. Som. L.I.) mounted for display, very fine (4) £700-£900

Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, April 2004.

M.M. London Gazette 16 November 1916:

‘The Major-General 20th Light Division has received a report of the gallant conduct of 16788 Lance-Corporal T. Lewins, 7th Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry on 3 September 1916 during the attack on Guillemont and wishes to congratulate him on his fine behaviour.’

M.M. Second Award Bar London Gazette 18 June 1917:

‘The Major-General 20th Light Division has received a report of the gallant conduct of 16788 Lance-Sergeant, 7th Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry on 1 April 1917 for rescuing wounded men under heavy fire at Ruyaulcourt and wishes to congratulate him on his fine behaviour.’

Thomas Lewins served during the Great War with the 7th (Service) Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry in the French theatre of war from 24 July 1915. The Battalion served as part of the 61st Brigade, 20th (Light) Division on the Somme, July - November 1916. Lewins distinguished himself during the attack on Guillemont, 3 September 1916, when the Battalion ‘attacked 12 noon - ‘A’ and ‘D’ Companies leading took objective - the Wedge Wood-Ginchy Road south of the Guillemont cross roads. Later, ‘B’ company assisted 47th Brigade north of Guillemont-Combles Road - consolidating and holding their position until rejoining Battalion at midnight. Relieved and to Carnoy craters (5/9). Casualties for Guillemont operations - 166.’ (British Battalions on the Somme, by R. Westlake, refers)

Lewins was conspicuous for his gallantry once again, when awarded the Bar to the M.M. for bringing in wounded men, 1 April 1917, when the Battalion was bombarded whilst moving back from the front line at Le Transloy, near Ruyaulcourt.

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