Personal info
- Name: James HEWITSON
- D.O.B: 15th October, 1892
- D.O.A: 26th April, 1918
- D.O.D: 2nd March, 1963
- Award: Victoria Cross
- Occupation at time of action: Lance Corporal, 1/4th Battalion The King’s Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment) (TF), 164th Brigade, 55th Division
- Book: The Complete History - Volume 2
Near Givenchy, France 26 April 1918
26 April 1918
The First World War 1918
On 26 April 1918, two companies of 14th Battalion King’s Own (Royal Lancaster) Regiment attempted unsuccessfuly to recapture part of the old front line north and east of Givenchy, which lies east of Béthune and north of the Canal d’Aire.
Citation
For most conspicuous bravery, initiative and daring action. In a daylight attack on a series of crater posts, L./Cpl. Hewitson led his party to their objective with dash and vigour, clearing the enemy from both trench and dug-outs, killing in one dug-out six of the enemy who would not surrender. After capturing the final objective, he observed a hostile machine-gun team coming into action against his men. Working his way round the edge of the crater he attacked the team, killing four and capturing one. Shortly afterwards he engaged a hostile bombing party, which was attacking a Lewis-gun post. He routed the party, killing six of them. The extraordinary feats of daring performed by this gallant N.C.O. crushed the hostile opposition at this point.
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