Lewis George Dickinson was killed in action on this day in 1915
Lewis George Dickinson was born on 25 October 1878 in Sheffield. His parents were Frederick George Dickinson, a railway official, and his wife Ann Jemima Dickinson née Mann. He had a younger sister, Jessie Marvin.
He was educated at Firth College in Sheffield.
In 1901, the family was living at 63 Burngreave Road in Sheffield.
On 21 January 1901, Lewis enlisted as a Private in the 2nd Volunteer Battalion Derbyshire Regiment. He was appointed Lance Corporal on 01 March 1903 and, on 01 June 1904, became Lance Sergeant. He attained the rank of Company Quartermaster Sergeant in 1911.
He was described as one of the best shots in Derbyshire, winning many cups and medals and, in 1909, he won the Badge of the "King's Hundred" at Bisley.
By 1911, the family had moved to Hurd's Hollow, The Dimple in Matlock, Derbyshire. Lewis, age 32, was still living at home and, like his father, was a railway clerk, employed in the Midland Railway's Mineral Department in Derby.
He was engaged to be married.
In August 1914, he was recalled to The Sherwood Foresters (6th Battalion) and volunteered for overseas service.
On 25 February 1915, the battalion went to France and, on 13 March 1915, Lewis was gazetted 2nd Lieutenant after his Colonel recommended him for a commission for "good work in the field".
On 30 September 1915, Lewis was killed in action near St Eloi by the explosion of a mine.
He had volunteered to hold the trench at Spoil Bank (towards the top right on the map) even though it wasn't his turn for the trenches. It was one of the worst parts of the line and was referred to by the men as "Dead Man's Trench".
He and 9 Platoon of 6th Foresters were holding the trench and were due to be relieved at 8:30pm but, at 6:35pm, the Germans exploded a mine under the trench, killing and burying every man of the platoon except one who was dug out alive.
He is buried at Spoilbank Cemetery in Ypres.
He is also commemorated on the Matlock Bath War Memorial.
2nd Lieutenant Lewis George Dickinson, 6th Battalion The Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment)