Joseph Lewis

Rifleman Joseph Lewis, enlisted in Nottingham and served with the 9th Battalion King's Royal Rifle Corps. He landed in France on 23rd June 1915 and died of wounds on 28th May 1916. he was buried in Nottingham (Hardy Street) Jewish Cemetery on 1st June 1916.

Article published 1st June 1916 in the Nottingham Evening Post :- “JEWISH SOLDIER'S DEATH. “FUNERAL IN NOTTINGHAM TO-DAY. “The first Jewish funeral in Nottingham arising out of the war took place at the Burial Ground in Hardy-street this afternoon, [1st June 1916] when the internment of Private J. Lewis, of Pym-street, was accorded military honours. The dead warrior, who was 23 years of age, joined the King's Royal Rifles shortly after the outbreak of war. A shell some time ago wrecked an earthwork he was occupying, and he was buried. Although several operations were performed in England, he succumbed on Sunday. [28th May 1916] The coffin was borne from a relative's house in Kinglake-street to the burial ground on a gun carriage draped with the Union Jack, a detachment of Army Service Corps being in charge. Many members of the Hebrew congregation were present to pay a last tribute of respect. As many as could assisted to bear the coffin to its last resting place, the remainder following in procession. An abbreviated form of the customary service was employed by the Rev. A. Schloss, and a special prayer said. One or two pauses were made on the way whilst prayer was said, the longest being that in the little burial hall. The coffin having been lowered, many of the male mourners threw shovelfuls of sand into the grave. Amongst the mourners were Mrs. M. Weinburg and Mr. H. J. Weinberg Above article is courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918