Lewis, Owen Gower (Lieutenant, b.1896 - d.1918)

Three detailed diaries in exercise books kept by Lieutenant Owen Lewis, an observer serving with No. 3 Squadron, Australian Flying Corps. Lewis, an experienced airman, began the diaries when he joined No. 3 Squadron in January 1918 and made almost daily entries of one to two pages.

Lewis began his First World War service with the 10th Field Company Engineers before transferring to the Australian Flying Corps in 1917. He qualified as an observer and gained a commission as a second lieutenant. He was posted to No. 7 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps, in August 1917 and shortly after was wounded in the chest and evacuated to England to recover. He was to suffer a number of wounds during his service.

The diaries commence with Lewis’s return to France and his posting to No. 3 Squadron. He describes life in the AFC, providing details on flying operations, aircraft, aircraft crashes, visiting wounded friends in hospital, and attending the funerals of those who died. Lewis also recalls lighter moments, describing leisure activities such as visiting local villages near his aerodrome.

The final entry of 11 April 1918 was written while Lewis was grounded due to inclement weather. He confesses that he is glad of the reprieve and was increasingly glad when an operation was cancelled. The following morning the R.E.8 aircraft B3435 flown by Lieutenant G.W. Best, with Lewis as his observer, stalled shortly after takeoff, crashing to the ground and bursting into flames, killing both men.