Lieutenant-Colonel George Hewetson
8th (Midlands) Parachute Battalion

During this period, a glider crashed on his command post, killing the officer beside him, and wounding others. Lieutenant-Colonel Hewetson was himself very badly shaken, but he flatly refused medical aid until not only the securing of the dropping zone but also the capture of his Bn’s next objective had been completed.

(D.S.O. citation, 21 June 1945)

Born on 27 December 1910 in Ireby, Cumberland, George Hewetson was a rugby player, school headmaster and a Territorial Army Officer. He took a commission with the 5th Battalion, Border Regiment in 1938 and mobilized in 1940, serving as adjutant in the Battle of France. In 1943, he volunteered for the paratroops.

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