Although the statue campaign has reached fruition, funds are still needed to insure the statue. 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 Leona
rd 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 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 project was instigated and led by Allan’s great niece Dawn Lewis. The group of trustees and supporters worked with the support of Herefordshire County Council to honour this brave local hero. A life-size bronze statue was commissioned and now stands in the Old Market shopping centre in Hereford. The work which was completed by the artist Jemma Pearson, bears a simple inscription, ‘A Herefordshire Man’. We love to see photos of you with the statue, please feel free to share them with us. The statue needs to be insured annually and funds are always needed for this. If you would like to help, please contact us.
