Lewis Albert Roots was born in Harlington, Staines, Middlesex on 15th July 1920, the first child of Lewis Arnold Philip (Phil) and Emily (Emmie) Roots. A second son, Leonard Philip Roots, was born in 1927.

Lewis's father Phil served with the 2nd Battalion, Royal Welsh Regiment during WW1 and was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for conspicuous gallantry and ability. During WW2, he served as a major in the 28th Kent (1st Southern Railway) Battalion, Home Guard. Lewis Roots's three uncles had also served during WW1. Claude Henry Roots served with the New Zealand Army Service Corps and landed in Gallipoli in 1915. He later saw service at Messines and Passchendale and was mentioned in dispatches. Ernest (Ernie) Noel Roots served in the Royal West Kent Regiment and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. Harold Thomas Roots served with the Royal Navy as a petty officer.

Serving his country at a time of need was a family tradition for Lewis, who joined the Royal Corps of Signals as  signalman with the regimental number 14338334 during WW2. Prior to enlisting he was an apprentice carpenter and joiner's apprentice and had lived with his parents and brother in Maidstone, Kent. On 28th February 1944, he was killed at Monte Cassino and is buried in the Cassino War Cemetery.