Born on January 5th 1930, "Gilly", as he is affectionately known, had a distinguished career as a public servant and as a member of the British Honduras Volunteer Guard. Soft spoken with a wry sense of humor, he retired from the Public Service on April 28, 1978 after 32 years, 9 months and 11 days. During this period he started as a messenger and advanced to store man in the Public Works Department, then 2nd class clerk to the then District Officer Albert Johnson, Belize District. He was subsequently promoted to 1st class clerk and posted to the Forestry Department.
At the age of 17 years, he enlisted in the then British Honduras Volunteer Guard and was assigned the number 27214. He recalls having served under former Commandants Bowring, Fair-weather, Hulse, Locke, Johnson, Eyles and Sabido. As a senior non com¬missioned officer, Gilly was selected in 1955 to attend a course in Jamaica in Drill and Weaponry. On his return he was appointed Company Sergeant Major with a promotion to Warrant Officer Class 11. Throughout our history, many officers have served as aide de camp (ADC) to Governors and Governor Generals. None, I believe, have served as long as Major Lewis who performed these duties for 20 consecutive years for 4 Governors!
To the surprise of many at the time, he applied and was granted a commission. Memorable events in his career include being in charge of the detachment providing security for the Northern District after the 1955 hurricane. He also cherishes the opportunity to have served as Equerry to Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh on his visit in March 1975. With a smile, Gilly remembers how difficult it was to be promoted in those days. He thinks he may have been the longest serving 2 LT! He may also have contributed to this situa¬tion when he served in the post of Adjutant/Quartermaster from June 16th 1964 until April 2nd. 1978, whew! During our visit to interview him, James Stephen, his long time friend (27213), asked him jokingly, how much did your medals cost?' His decorations include Member of the British Empire, Military Division; Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth Silver Jubilee Medal and, Two Clasps to the Efficiency Decoration.
This year he celebrated 51 years of marriage to his wife Jean with whom he have 6 chil¬dren. When I asked him about his health, he smiled and said that he had undergone sur¬gery for a pacemaker, but he isn't going any faster! Major Gilroy Lewis (MBE), a true pub¬lic servant and patriot of Belize!
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The Belize Ex-Servicemen’s League of New York Inc.
is proud to honor Major Gilroy Lewis, MBE.
in Vol: 1 issue's
PROFILE. August 2009
Major Gilroy Lewis, MBE.
The Belize Ex-Servicemen's League of New York Inc.
Belizean Patriots
