John Lewis – Royal Air Force, 1st Aircraft Depot

Aircraftman 1^st Class John Lewis – Royal Air Force, 1^st Aircraft Depot

Birth and Family Background

John Lewis was born in 1882 in Swansea. He was the son of Samuel Lewis and Margaret Lewis.

Early Life

1891 Census

John Lewis appears in the 1891 Census, the only census return on which he is recorded. At that time, the Lewis family were residing at 30 Madoc Street, Swansea. Samuel Lewis (26), a widower born in Carmarthenshire, was employed as a carpenter.

The children recorded in the household were John (9); James (8); Sarah (6); Hannah (4); and Margaret (2). Also present in the household was a domestic servant, Esther Davies (24), born in Pembrokeshire.

Marriage

In later life, John Lewis married Mary Lewis, although her maiden name is not known.

Military Service

John Lewis served with the Royal Air Force in the rank of Aircraftman 1^st Class. He was posted to the 1^st Aircraft Depot, a major RAF unit responsible for the receipt, assembly, repair, and allocation of aircraft, as well as the training and administration of airmen during and after the First World War.

Death

Aircraftman 1^st Class John Lewis died on 7^th February 1919, several months after the end of hostilities. His death occurred during the post-war period, when RAF personnel continued to serve overseas in support, maintenance, and demobilisation roles.

Burial and Commemoration

John Lewis
St Omer Souvenir Cemetery, France
credit - findagrave

John Lewis is buried at St Omer Souvenir Cemetery. His burial in France reflects the continued presence of Royal Air Force personnel on the Continent following the Armistice, and his death stands as a reminder that military service continued to carry risks even after the fighting had formally ended