Richard was born in 1893 in Hope Flintshire, the son of Noah and Hannah Lewis.
On the 1901 census Richard was living in Penymynydd near Mold Flintshire with his father Noah 52, a coal miner (hewer) and his mother Hannah 46. There were also 5 children, Sarah H. 21, Richard 8, Mary C. 5, James A. 3, and George W. 3.
On the 1911 census the family was still living in Penymynydd. Living there were Noah 62, a coal miner (hewer), Hannah 56, Richard 18, now known as Dick, Kate 15, George 13, and James 13. Also living there was Sarah Lewis 31, Dressmaker. (She is listed as a Boarder but it has been confirmed by a family member that she was the daughter of Noah and Hannah Lewis). Also listed in the household was Ida Lewis, 3, daughter of Sarah. It states that Noah and Hannah had been married 34 years and had 14 children but only 5 were still living. All this family spoke English.
There are various records on www.ancestry.co.uk for Richard, ‘UK, Soldier Died in the Great War, 1914-1919’ which states he enlisted at Buckley and confirms his Rank, Regiment and Regimental number, and ’British Army WW1 Medal Rolls Index card 1914-1920’.
I have been unable to find his Service Records on www.ancestry.co.uk
The index cards in the Flintshire Roll of Honour at the County Records Office Hawarden states his address as Penymynydd. It also states the period of service was 2 years 3 months. The card was signed on 9th September 1919 by H Lewis who I assume was his Mother.
Richard Lewis is also remembered on the Penyfford War Memorial situated in the War Memorial Institute on Chester Road Penyffordd.