Gertrude Lewis was a Mosman resident from 1900-1971. She was one of the pioneers of female rowing as prior to 1905 rowing was exclusively a male sport. She competed and won against the New Zealand Maori Squad in a team consisting of her sister Kitty Lewis, Alice Pearce and Lilly Pearce in a race held in Middle Harbour - exact date unknown but between 1906 and 1912.

She was Ladies Sculling Champion of Australia for six consecutive years between 1906 and 1911, as well as Double Sculling Champions with her sister Katherine (Kitty) Lewis. Both sisters also excelled at swimming and diving.

Amongst the rowing community she was known as the "red terror" due to her red hair, the bright red hat and sash that accompanied by long navy skirts, white sweaters and black tights, which made up her racing colours.