Acting Corporal Ernest John Lewis was born on July 13th 1938. He was a member of 144 Parachute Field Ambulance RAMC (V), as part of their Cardiff detachment. This detachment was based at the Territorial Army Volunteer Reserve Centre, Llandaff North.

As part of his unit, Lewis won the prestigious TAVR Field Ambulance Challenge Shield twice in a row, in 1973 and 1974. His unit was trained not just in medical capacities but also in "driving, radio work and weapon training". In May 1975, Lewis was one of 32 men sent 800 ft up in a balloon for test jumps over Ely racecourse, Cardiff. This was the first time since the Second World War a balloon of its type had been seen in the area. Lewis also went to Cyprus and Germany on exercises with 144 Field Ambulance. 

Ernest Lewis died on 24 September 2021, aged 83. He had a son named John.