Lewis (Louis) Morris, Cheshire Regiment

The 10th Battalion was formed at Chester on 10 September 1914 as part of K3 and attached to 75th Brigade in 25th Division. It moved to Codford St Mary and by November 1914 was in billets in Bournemouth. It relocated to Aldershot in May 1915. On 26 September 1915 it landed in France. On 26 October 1915 it transferred to 7th Brigade in the same Division. On 21 June 1918 it was reduced to cadre strength and the main body of personnel transferred to the 9th Battalion. The cadre then returned to England and moved to Aldershot. In July 1918 it was absorbed by the 15th Battalion, South Wales Borderers at North Walsham.After suffering from heavy fighting in the front line near Ploegsteert, around Hill 63 and then in front of Dranoute and Kemmel in resisting the German Spring Offensive (The Battle of Lys), the 25th Division were ordered to a quiet sector south of the Aisne. The Division expected to rescouperate, but by the end of the month were again facing a heavy German attack at the Battle of the Aisne. On 26 May, intelligence confirmed a heavy German attack could be expected. 25th Division was in reserve and ordered up into a closer support position. At 1am on 27 May 1918, a heavy German bombardment with gas and high explosive hit the entire area. The infantry began to attack three hours later. The 25th Division was instructed to hold the second line of defence. By mid-day the Germans had broken through and crossed the Aisne. The units of 25th Division were thrown piecemeal into action. They were all but destroyed. The remnants of many units were temporarily joined into composite units, fighting a withdrawal as the enemy pressed on many miles across the River Marne. Division casualties between 26 May and 14 June 1918 amounted to 4338 officers and men, of whom 2511 were missing. It is very probable that Sergeant Morris lost his life during this action to defend the British positions. He was one of 900 men lost from the 10th Battalion during the Great War.

Born at Holyhead. In 1901 he lived at 7 Henry Street, Holyhead with his parents, George (33) and Kate Morris (28) (nee Owen) and siblings - Kate (10), Agnes (3), Alice (1 month). Also in the household was John Owen (20), a Boarder, and maternal grandmother Margaret Owen (60). His father was employed as a Railway Signalman. All were recorded as born at Holyhead. In 1911 the family lived at 31 Gilbert Street, London Road, Holyhead. Lewis was now employed as a Newspaper Errand Boy, aged 14. Additions to the family include, George (8), Margaret (6) and John (3). His father's age is now given as 40 and he is now employed as a Horse Loader with the Railway Company. His mother is recorded as originating from Conway, Carnarvonshire. He was the nephew of Joseph Augustus Morris and Andrew Morris, both lost during the Great War. His father, George Morris, was accidentally killed at Holyhead in 1925 when trampled by a racehorse whilst working as a Horse Foreman for the LMS Railway Company.

Awarded the Victory Medal and British War Medal.

Buried in Jonchery-Sur-Vesle British Cemetery, France. Grave located at I.A.2. He is also remembered on a family grave at Maeshyfryd Cemetery, Holyhead.