Lewis Laugharne Morgan, MC – Royal Air Force, No. 50 Squadron
Lieutenant Lewis Laugharne Morgan, MC – Royal Air Force, No. 50 Squadron
Family Background
Lewis Laugharne Morgan was born in 1896 in Swansea,
the son of William Laugharne Morgan and Alice Emily Dods, who
were married in December 1894 in Edinburgh, Scotland.Lewis Laugharne Morgan
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| 1901 Census |
At the time of the 1901 Census, the Morgan family were living at 10 St James Gardens, Swansea. William Laugharne Morgan, aged 40 and born in Carmarthenshire, was employed as a shipping agent, while his wife Alice M., aged 30, was a British subject born in China. Their children were Eileen A. (5), Lewis L. (4), and Margaret A. H. (1). Also present were three servants: Mary Roberts (28), Ruth William (24), and Kate Barnes (20).
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| 1911 Census |
By the 1911 Census, the family were residing at 28 Glanmor Crescent, Swansea, although Lewis Laugharne Morgan does not appear in the household, suggesting that he was away from home, possibly for education or training.
Family Business
William Laugharne Morgan later established a parcels and
delivery business, with offices at 10 York Street, Swansea, and 10
The Dunns, Mumbles.
Military Service
At the outbreak of the First World War, Lewis entered
military service and held the rank of Second Lieutenant with the 6th
Battalion, Welsh Regiment, before being attached to the Royal Flying
Corps.
Flight Training and Qualification
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| Royal Aero Club Aviators’ Certificate |
Gallantry and the Military Cross
On 24th May 1917, he was awarded the Military
Cross for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty, in that he
crossed the enemy lines at a height of under 100 feet and destroyed a hostile
kite balloon and an enemy scout at close range, displaying exceptional
courage and determination. During this action, he sustained severe injuries
which resulted in the amputation of his right leg. Despite this, he
returned to operational flying and became known among his comrades as “the
air hog”, owing to his incessant participation in air operations.
Royal Air Force Service
Following his recovery, Lewis rejoined the newly formed Royal
Air Force, and his service records show that from 15th April
1918 he was serving with No. 50 Squadron.
The SE5a Aircraft
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| Royal Aircraft Factory SE5a |
The SE5a was armed with a synchronised .303
Vickers machine gun and an additional Lewis gun mounted on the upper
wing, allowing pilots to engage both enemy aircraft and observation
balloons effectively. Although less manoeuvrable than some fighters, it was
renowned for its steady handling and reliability in combat, traits
appreciated by experienced pilots. However, early engine reliability
issues—particularly during take-off—remained a known hazard.
Death and Burial
Lieutenant Lewis Laugharne Morgan, MC, was killed on
26th April 1918 while flying an SE5a from Bekesbourne,
near Canterbury. Shortly after take-off, he experienced engine
failure and crashed into a railway embankment at the northern edge
of the airfield.Lewis Laugharne Morgan
Canterbury Cemetery, Kent
credit - findagrave
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| Western Mail |
He was buried at Canterbury Cemetery, Kent, and his funeral was reported in the Western Mail a few days later.
Family Connection
Lewis Laugharne Morgan was the uncle of Captain David
Lloyd Popkin Morgan, MC, who was also killed during the First World War.
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