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General => Armed Forces => World War Two => Topic started by: tup1 on Friday 06 November 20 14:36 GMT (UK)

Title: RAF John Adrian Lewis 223 Sqn died 4/Apri/1940
Post by: tup1 on Friday 06 November 20 14:36 GMT (UK)

Hi,
Hope this is on the correct place to put this.

Grantham library are looking for a photo of this gentleman for a family member who does not have one they have all the details of his background in Grantham Journal but no photo so this is a request if anyone has one.
He was based at RAF Spittlegate his service No was 563644 he was aged 27 born in Wales and was a test pilot and had only been married 2 weeks when he died over France.
So if anyone has a photo I would be very grateful.

Kathy

Title: Re: RAF John Adrian Lewis 223 Sqn died 4/Apri/1940
Post by: Kloumann on Friday 06 November 20 16:27 GMT (UK)

Hi Kathy

 The CWGC has him in 223 Sq. In 1940, that Squadron was based in Sudan, flying Wellesley bombers.

I was trying to find out if his Squadron had any old photos but I am not convinced that he was in 223 Sq. in 1940

Title: Re: RAF John Adrian Lewis 223 Sqn died 4/Apri/1940
Post by: ShaunJ on Friday 06 November 20 16:36 GMT (UK)

He was flying his Wellesley back to Africa (after his wedding and honeymoon) when he crashed.

See http://www.llangollenmuseum.org.uk/Memorials/LlantysilioWW2/JohnLewis/Summary.htm

Title: Re: RAF John Adrian Lewis 223 Sqn died 4/Apri/1940
Post by: Kloumann on Friday 06 November 20 17:00 GMT (UK)

Thanks Shaun

Devastatingly bad luck.

Title: Re: RAF John Adrian Lewis 223 Sqn died 4/Apri/1940
Post by: tup1 on Friday 06 November 20 18:20 GMT (UK)

HI,

Many thanks for trying to find ths elusive photo for the family its much appreciated.As you say it is a very sad story to have just got married and then to have died.

Kathy

Title: Re: RAF John Adrian Lewis 223 Sqn died 4/Apri/1940
Post by: luciacw on Thursday 12 November 20 13:00 GMT (UK)

It's possible there may be a photograph of him in the original casualty file gathered while investigating the crash in which he died. The file is unfortunately closed until 2031 but you can submit a Freedom of Information request.

Please find the details below:

AIR 81/1975
Sergeant J A Lewis, Leading Aircraftman A R Martin, Leading Aircraftman R W E Jordan: killed; aircraft accident, Point D'Aiguille, France, Wellesley K7740, 30 Squadron, 4 April 1940
http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C16471241 (http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C16471241)

This is an image of Wellesley K7740: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Aircraft_of_the_Royal_Air_Force_1939-1945-_Vickers_Wellesley._MH135.jpg (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Aircraft_of_the_Royal_Air_Force_1939-1945-_Vickers_Wellesley._MH135.jpg)

Title: Re: RAF John Adrian Lewis 223 Sqn died 4/Apri/1940
Post by: tup1 on Thursday 12 November 20 13:26 GMT (UK)

Hi,

 Many thanks for the information I will pass it on to the librarian. :)