A L Lewis Vc Memorial Fund

This group was set up fundraise to commission a life size bronze statue of L /Cpl Allan Leonard Lewis. This now stands in Old Market, Hereford, HR4 9HR.

Allan Leonard Lewis was born in 1895 in Whitney-on-Wye in Herefordshire. He was one of 9 children and his father worked as a jobbing carpenter.
This humble, brave young man performed extraordinary acts of heroism during the First World War leading to the award of the Victoria Cross. To date, Allan Leonard Lewis remains Herefordshire's only county-born Victoria Cross winner.
Following the outbreak of WW1 he volunteered to join up and was initially enlisted into the Royal Army Service Corps where he maintained and drove transport. Wanting to do more Allan transferred to the infantry and was posted to the Northamptonshire Regiment. His soldierly disposition and character earned him promotion to Lance Corporal and he took part in the final allied push to break the German Hindenburg Line in late 1918.
Lance Corporal Lewis demonstrated exceptional bravery on two occasions during these final battles. Both events were witnessed by others and showed his quiet confidence, spirit, determination and bravery under fire. He was killed on the 21st September 1918 a few weeks before the war's end. The Victoria Cross was presented to his parents by H. M King George V at Buckingham Palace in April 1919.
Allan Leonard Lewis's name is commemorated on two war memorials in Herefordshire reflecting his parish of birth and his parish where he spent most of his life. The memorial on the side of the Whitney Church is in wood and was carved by his father.
This group is working with the support of Herefordshire County Council to honour this brave local hero. It is intended to commission a life-size bronze statue of him to stand in a prominent position in Hereford.

The group's chosen artist is Jemma Pearson, who sculpted the wonderful statue of Elgar which stands in the Cathedral grounds.

To enable this project to be completed in time for the centenary of Allan’s sacrifice, we need to raise £60, 000.

We are delighted to have the support of our Patron Major General Arthur Denaro CBE DL.