Lt. Col. Harold Lewis : 37th Lancers (Baluch Horse), Mid (2), Commanding 20th Manchesters.
This brave officer was KIA on the 1st July1916 during the afternoon attack by the battalion on Fricourt and is buried in Dantzig Alley British Cem., Mametz. Over the years I have made a point of visiting his grave whenever I was in its vicinity.
I have always attributed the heavy casualties suffered by the 20th Manchesters on the 1st July 1916, firstly, to the Artillery battery (fuze trouble) to eliminate the German strongpoint at Wing Corner, and, secondly, in respect of the totally unauthorised and failed morning attack on this strong point by the Green Howards which resulted in their wounded lying out in No Man's Land in front of the enemy post. Thus, when the battery eventually was available to commence firing, it was prevented from doing so by the presence of the Green Howards' wounded lying on the battlefield.
However, that is another matter, but I wonder what is known of Colonel Lewis' service with the battalion, please? PhilipG.
