James Hewitson


James Hewitson VC was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Details

Born in Coniston, Lancashire, 15 October 1892, He was a 25 years old lance-corporal in the 1/4th Battalion, The King's Own Regiment, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 26 April 1918 at Givenchy, France, in a daylight attack on a series of crater posts, Lance-Corporal Hewitson led his party to their objective, clearing the enemy from both trench and dug-outs, killing six who would not surrender. After capturing the final objective he saw a hostile machine-gun team coming into action against his men and working his way round the edge of the crater he attacked the team, killing four and capturing one. Shortly afterwards he routed a bombing party which was attacking a Lewis gun, killing six of them.
He died 2 March 1963 in Ulverston and is buried at St Andrew's Churchyard, Coniston. His medal is privately held.