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Clarence Edward Lewis

Posted by Fiona Barrett on 21/10/2026, 5:12 pm

Hi. I'm new to the group and live in the Lake District. I'm researching a greatuncle on my husband's maternal side. Details are:Born 1908, died 1979 both in Devon. Married in 1950 to Phyllis. Served in RN from 1923 to 1928 according to his service record. He then disappears until his marriage in 1950. He doesn't appear in 1921 census or 1939 register. He worked in the Naval Hospital as a Laundry Asst until his death. I would like to know more about him. Thank you for any information. Regards.

Re: Clarence Edward Lewis

Posted by Judith on 21/10/2026, 6:49 pm, in reply to "Clarence Edward Lewis"

Because he served in 1923-25 he might have been called up in 1939, as a reservist, I have found that serving personnel are not on 1939 register.

Re: Clarence Edward Lewis

Posted by Fiona Barrett on 21/10/2026, 7:46 pm, in reply to "Re: Clarence Edward Lewis"

Thanks for this Judith. Where is the best place to look for reservist?
Fiona

Re: Clarence Edward Lewis

Posted by Judith on 22/10/2026, 1:55 pm, in reply to "Re: Clarence Edward Lewis"

Have looked on National archives site, no luck today, system playing up I think,
I found the first child of Edward and Bessie, there was an Albert Edward Ralph born 8.11.1903 died 1906.
(not unusual to have mothers maiden name added with first child).
I think it is possible that Clarence joined R.N. and could have transferred to Merchant Navy, which might explain the long age gap before he married. He might have been known as Edward Clarence as well.
His father Edward was also a sailor.
Maurice may have joined the R.A.F. Suggest you look for the parents on the 1921 and 1939 census, in case they moved out of Plymouth.

Re: Clarence Edward Lewis

Posted by Fiona Barrett on 26/10/2026, 2:57 pm, in reply to "Re: Clarence Edward Lewis"

Hi Judith
Thanks for this. I've taken advantage of the bad weather to research your points.
I didn't know there was Albert Edward. Looked on 1921 Census for dad Albert EA Lewis and he's marked as being on RN duties but I haven't got a current Ancestry subs atm so can't open full document. Both mum & dad appear in 1939 register, living in Devon.
I'll research merchant seamen registers but not sure where to look. I've got his early RN record listing which ships he was on from 1923 to 1926?. He was admitted to Dreadnought Seaman's Hospital in London in 1925, but again, I can't open it. Family rumour has it that he was torpedoed 3 times during his time at sea, swallowing oil and had to have part of his internal organs removed. I'd love to know if this is true and the stories behind it.
Regards.
Fiona

Re: Clarence Edward Lewis

Posted by Judith on 27/10/2026, 9:08 am, in reply to "Re: Clarence Edward Lewis"

Use the email I gave you in the other emails, or contact the MOD in London direct, as the details of servicemen WW2 not on line.
I found Albert Edward on National Archives site I think.

Re: Clarence Edward Lewis

Posted by Judith on 22/10/2026, 3:01 pm, in reply to "Re: Clarence Edward Lewis"

National archives site working now, found his service record from 1923 to 1938, discussed with my husband who is ex RN and he reckons Clarence rejoined/was called up again, for WW2 ,as an experienced man, hence not on 1939 register. Records of 2nd world war service are still with the MOD suggest you write to them with full details , his previous service number was J108739 so that might be useful.It would also explain why he did not marry until 1950, he didn't have much shore time!!
Hope this helps.Good luck

Re: Clarence Edward Lewis

Posted by Judith on 22/10/2026, 3:36 pm, in reply to "Re: Clarence Edward Lewis"

there is an email address for information you can try, re Clarence and WW2 information modpersonnelaccessteam@nationalarchives.gov.uk

I found his fathers service details as well on national archives site, he also joined as a boy and ended up as a petty officer.
You need to register on National Archives site to access records, but there is no charge to download what there is for Edward Albert Egan Lewis, the father, service no 211235 He was on a lot of ships!!

Looks as if there were other children born after 1911, Ida 1912, Gordon 1916 Derek 1918 and Robert 1924 so you should be able to find them on 1939 register if they survived till then.

Good Luck

Re: Clarence Edward Lewis

Posted by Judith on 27/10/2026, 9:55 am, in reply to "Re: Clarence Edward Lewis"

You need to register on the National Archives site, its free, and then put in Edward Albert Egan Lewis, (found the Egan name with one of the baptisms of children), It looks as if he became a Lieut Commander. Then you can download the information, for free.

Re: Clarence Edward Lewis

Posted by Fiona Barrett on 1/11/2026, 6:48 pm, in reply to "Re: Clarence Edward Lewis"

Thank you so much for all your help. I had missed your last three emails for some reason but will use your info to track Clarrie (as he was known) down.
Kind regards.
Fiona

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