Lewis Needham
Lewis worked as a carter cab proprietor and coal merchant and was a member of the Arnold Red Cross detachment
- Family History
- Military history
- Extra information
- Photographs
Lewis Needham was born at Arnold in 1880, the son ofthe late Thomas and the late Jane Needham (nee Brightmore) of 49 Front Street, Arnold, Nottingham.
His father Thomas was a Head Bricklayer he was born in 1839 at Arnold he died in 1889 aged 50 yrs, his mother was Jane Brightmore was born in 1814 also in Arnold, she died in 1906 aged 65 yrs they were married on 8th June 1862, at St Leodegarius Church, Basford they had five sons and one daughter.
Lewis married Sarah Ann Worton (born 26th November 1879) in 1905 their marriage was recorded in the Basford registration district.
In the 1911 census we see that he is is now married to Sarah Ann he states they have been married for six years both he and his wife are 31 years of age and he is employed as carter - cab proprietor and coal merchant. They have a daughter Ethel Jane born 14th March 1907 and live at 32 High Street, Arnold.
At the time of his death the family are living at 29 Burford Street, Arnold
Commencing 18th November 1918 his widow was awarded a pension of 20 shillings and 5 pence aweek.
Private Lewis Needham on the 11th October 1915 enlisted at Nottingham, into the Royal Army Medical Corps and served in France with the 61st Field Ambulance
He gives his age on his attestation as 36 years and 4 months and his address as 29 Burford St, Arnold and gives his occupation as horse keeper. He serves on home duties until he is sent to France landing at Boulogne on 4th August 1917 where he is posted to the Cyclist base Depot on the 6th . He died from Pneumonia on the 11th May 1918 when aged 38 years. He is buried in Ligny- St. Flocher British Cemetery, Averdoingt, France.
Death notices published 16th May 1918 in the Nottingham Evening Post :-
“NEEDHAM. – Died, pneumonia, May 11th, 1918, Pte. L. Needham, R.A.M.C., aged 38, of Arnold. The journey done, the rest begun, the day of death now ended, to life above, on wings of love, the freed one hath ascended. Our tears must fall at loss of all that time cannot restore us, but to the skies we'll lift our eyes and think of what's before us. – Sorrowing wife and daughter.
“NEEDHAM. – Died abroad, May 11th, our dearly loved brother, Pte. L. Needham, R.A.M.C. Sweet memories will linger while life shall last. – Sorrowing sister and brother, Emma and Billy.
“NEEDHAM. – Died abroad, May 11th, our dearly loved brother, Pte. L. Needham, R.A.M.C. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. – Sorrowing sister, brother, Lizzie, Frank.”
Above are courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918
Photo of Lewis Needham
Ligny-St Flochet British Cemetery, Averdoingtf, France