Allan Leonard Lewis was born in 1895 in Whitney-on-Wye in West Herefordshire. His father worked as a carpenter and Allan was one of nine children. They later moved to the neighbouring parish of   Brilley where the family remained until the death of his parents. · 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.    

Lance Corporal Lewis took part in the final allied push to break the German Hindenburg Line in late 1918. He exceptional bravery on two occasions during these final battles.  Both occasions 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.

 The A L Lewis VC Memorial Fund is working with the support of Herefordshire County Council to honour this brave local hero. We will commission a life-size bronze statue of him to stand in a prominent position in Hereford. Our 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.