A plaque is to be erected to honour World War One’s youngest British soldier in Tooting.
Sidney Lewis was just 12 years old when he left his home on 53 Defoe Road, now 934 Garratt Lane, in Tooting, to sign up to fight in the Great War.
Geoff Simmons, a Tooting historian, set up the ‘A Quid for Sid’ campaign to get a memorial plaque installed at Sidney’s old home on February 16 — and reached his £500 target by February 26.
Geoff said: “I just wanted you to know that plans are now underway to put a plaque up on the home of Sidney Lewis on Garratt Lane later this year.
“Sidney was the youngest soldier to serve in the British Army in the First World War.
“He joined up at the age of 12 in 1915 and one hundred years ago this summer he fought at the Battle of the Somme.
“The plaque will hopefully be unveiled by Sidney’s son Colin in September on a date still to be arranged.”
In 2013 the Imperial War Museum authenticated Sidney as the youngest soldier to serve in the British Army during the First World War.
Geoff said: “It’s exciting because often these things can end up being quite hidden away but this house is in a very public spot so lots of people will see it.”
Geoff’s campaign reached a lot of people in a very short amount of time.
The love for Sidney Lewis #AQuidForSid #Tooting just keeps on flowing @IWM_Centenary @LivesOfWW1 #Somme100 #Plaque pic.twitter.com/GK8msVVjjA
— Geoff Simmons (@summerstown182) February 27, 2016
Many thanks Colin for spreading the word @StGeorgesTrust @StGeorgesMTC #Tooting Sid's Dad worked at Springfield pic.twitter.com/xro9IlkPaP
— Geoff Simmons (@summerstown182) February 26, 2016
“The response has been brilliant – people are really loving it. This is a campaign people have been able to identify with and I think it’s inspiring the community,” said Geoff.
“It’s great for Tooting. The area has lots of history but not all of it gets properly celebrated. This is something the people of Tooting can take pride in and hopefully they will get a mention on the plaque for their support.”
Amazingly, Geoff reached his target in just ten days.
Overwhelmed by generosity of everyone in #Tooting & further afield who gave #AQuidForSid & helped us hit Plaque target so quickly THANKYOU
— Geoff Simmons (@summerstown182) February 26, 2016
He added: “It’s a great story which really helps people to connect with history, particularly young people.”
Geoff is planning an unveiling party to thank the community for their help in fundraising for the plaque — which he hopes will be unveiled by Sidney’s 83-year-old son Colin, from Poole.
Geoff said: “We are planning a special event in September at which the plaque will be unveiled by the son of Sidney Lewis.
“This will include a guided historical walk of the area and tea and light refreshments at a venue to be confirmed.
“Any overfunding would be used to pay for the hire of a venue and the cost of the refreshments.”
SW Londoner has followed Geoff and his ‘A Quid for Sid’ campaign from the beginning.
At 6ft 12in by the age of 12 it is believed Sidney’s height was behind his ability to get into the ranks of the British Army at such a young age.
Sidney also fought in WW2, as well as being a policeman and pub landlord, he died at the age of 66 in 1969.
Next #Summerstown182 #Walk Saturday 19th March #Earlsfield #WimbledonStadium #AngloAmericanLaundry @GoEarlsfield pic.twitter.com/DuTSH1GBVu
— Geoff Simmons (@summerstown182) February 28, 2016
Geoff also runs tours around Summerstown, the next is on Saturday March 19.
You can still donate to the ‘A Quid for Sid’ campaign here.
Image courtesy of Geoff Simmons, with thanks
