Lieutenant-Colonel T.H. Hewitt
Regina Rifle Regiment

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in leading a party to the capture of an advanced post and holding it for two days under heavy enemy bombardment. His services in leading his platoon and in consolidating the new line have been invaluable throughout.

(M.C. citation, 6 Jul 1917)

Born on 1 February 1889 in Bradford, Yorkshire, England, Thomas Henry Hewitt was a civil servant and former commander officer of the Regina Rifles from 1932 to 1936. He had settled in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan as a teenager and joined the provincial civil service. In September 1915, he enlisted with the 46th Battalion, which deployed to France in August 1916. He received a field commission before Vimy Ridge and subsequently earned the Military Cross at Lens.

Hewitt joined the Regina Rifles after the reorganization of the Canadian militia in 1920 and took command of the 1st Battalion twelve years later. In December 1936, he was succeeded by Major J.G. Robertson and took over the 2nd Battalion (Reserve). When the 1st Battalion mobilized for active service in May 1940, Robertson was replaced by Major H.J. Quinn. Deemed medically unfit to go overseas, he then exchanged commands with Hewitt who again took over the 1st Battalion in August 1940. Recruited to full strength, the battalion embarked for England a year later.

Hewitt remained in command during fall 1941 but after the army’s age limit policy, he was transferred to a reinforcement unit. He was replaced by fellow First World War veteran Major H. Sharp. At the age of 54, Hewitt returned to civilian life in 1943. As the battalion prepared to returned home for demobilization, he declared:

In a few short weeks warriors will become civilians. There remains, however, that bond of brotherhood which is born under hardship and discipline … It was a sad day for me when I relinquished command of the unit before it went into action, after seeing it develop into a well-trained, disciplined team.

After forty-two years in the provincial civil service, Hewitt retired in 1954. He died in Victoria, British Columbia on 26 May 1983.