Lunchtime viewings of the Hewitt VC – follow up on previous story

Martin Myers-Allen (Hon OF & VP) writes : On Tuesday 2^nd December W H Hewitt’s VC was carried into chapel by Cdt WO1 Kit Beaver accompanied by Cdt WO2 Ella Ogilvie and Cdt Flt Sgt Harry Cartwright.  Harry then read the following to those assembled in a most elquent and fitting manner.

William Henry Hewitt, a pupil at Framlingham College from 1894-1900. During WWI he was a South African soldier and became a recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest military decoration awarded for gallantry in the face of the enemy to British and Commonwealth forces during the First World War. The very same Victoria cross that was brought in today by your senior cadets.

William Hewitt was 33 years old and serving as a lance-corporal in the 2nd South African Light Infantry when he performed the act of bravery for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross.

On 20 September 1917, east of Ypres, Belgium, Lance-Corporal Hewitt led an assault on a pillbox with his section and attempted to force entry through the doorway. The garrison resisted fiercely, and during the attempt he sustained a severe wound. Despite this, he advanced to the pillbox’s loophole and, while trying to insert a bomb, was wounded again in the arm. Undeterred, he succeeded in placing the bomb inside, driving out the occupants, who were then dealt with by the remainder of his section.

Hewitt later served in WWI in East Africa and attained the rank of major. Following his death, his Victoria Cross was given to the school by his wife in 1967 as a source of inspiration to future generations.

The medal had been on permanent loan – displayed with the Agar and Flowerdew VCs at the Imperial War Museum for over two decades. Hewitt’s VC  was returned to Framlingham College on 20 November 2025, signed in by Lt Colonel Myers-Allen on behalf of the College.  It is an honour to see it returned.  The Agar VC is owned by the Imperial War Museum and stays in London.  The Flowerdew VC is owned by the Society of Old Framlinghamians and is on loan to Lord Strathcona’s Horse Regiment in Canada. 

The Principal and Contingent Commander invite interested pupils and staff to see Major Hewitt’s VC, here, on the altar on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 1pm to 1.30pm.    It is not everyday you get to see such a prestigious, historical medal close up.  It is not everyday that you have the chance to see one of the highest awards for gallantry in the world.  It will be a truly inspirational experience for those that do.