Article about the bravery of William James Lewis

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William James Lewis was one of the three sons of David and Margaret Lewis of Cwmbwrla who volunteered for service in the First World War. This article was printed in a local paper in which a fellow soldier commended him for his bravery. The text reads: "HE SAVED MY LIFE" SWANSEA PRIVATE'S GALLANT ACT GLOWING LETTER TO HIS MOTHER Mrs D.Lewis No. 23, Lynn-street Cwmbwrla, should be a proud mother. She has three sons fighting for their country. One of her sons William James Lewis, who belongs to the 2nd Devons, and who went out with the British Expeditionary force last Christmas, has been earning honours, as the following letter, written from a hospital in Norfolk, received by his mother, testifies - "Dear Mrs Lewis -- no doubt you will be surprised to receive a letter from me perhaps your son may have mentioned my name to you in his letters. What I wish to tell you is that on the night of March 12th, whilst doing retirement, I was unfortunate enough to get seriously wounded, and was left behind, except for your Will, who remained with me, afterwards taking me back to the trenches, which I could not have done without him. "He saved my life, Mrs Lewis, and he surely deserves some distinction for some. It being dark, it would be unrecognised, as many other brave deeds have been. He has been my chum from the time he arrived in France and a better comrade one would not wish to have. He is so bright and jolly, and most willing and I will miss him very much. . . . . . . . I have told my people about it they think a lot about it, I thought you would be glad to know what sort of son you have -(signed) S.Colwill (Private)" William died in the Battle of the Somme on 5 July 1916.

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