Tom Lewis was born in Snake Valley. He was 30 years old and single when he enlisted in Ballarat on 17th August 1914. .He was living in Ballarat East at that time. He stated that he was a labourer, yet when he won his Military Medal he was described as a 'àprofessional miner..' He was accepted into the 8th Infantry Battalion with Regimental No. 299. As a miner, he was tasked with listening post duty underground. His task was to identify any digging sounds from the enemy, and plot where they were on a map, as well as identify what activities the sounds indicated. He was on duty for 4 days and nights, and completely vindicated the confidence that his officer and companions had in him.

He proceeded overseas to France on 1st May 1918 and re-joined the 8th Battalion on 4th May 1918. The battalion was in the trenches after assisting in stopping the German Spring offensive. The 8th Battalion was involved in the fierce fighting at Lihons, Etinehem and Proyart during the next fortnight. Tom Lewis was wounded in action on 22nd August 1918. He was hit by shrapnel. The Special Leave Scheme for 1914 enlistees was changed to ensure that 1914 enlistees were amongst the first soldiers to be repatriated to Australia. Tom Lewis embarked on D34 'Port Hacking' on 3rd December 1918, and disembarked in Melbourne on 27th January 1919.

After completing the necessary procedures he was discharged on 28th March 1919. Tree No. 29, an elm, was planted by Miss F. Austin, a 'Lucas Girl', in the Ballarat Avenue of Honour, on 4th June 1917.