James Hewitson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Hewitson
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| Born | 15 October 1892 Coniston, Lancashire |
| Died | 2 March 1963 Ulverston, Lancashire |
| Buried |
Coniston Churchyard
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1914 - 1918 |
| Rank | Corporal |
| Unit | The King's Own (Royal Lancaster) Regiment |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards |  Victoria Cross |
James Hewitson was an incredibly brave English soldier. He received the Victoria Cross (VC), which is the highest and most important award for amazing courage in battle. This special medal is given to soldiers from the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries.
Who Was James Hewitson?
James Hewitson was born on October 15, 1892. His hometown was Coniston, in Lancashire, England. When World War I started, he joined the British Army. He served as a lance-corporal in the 1/4th Battalion of The King's Own (Royal Lancaster) Regiment.
A Brave Act in World War I
On April 26, 1918, during World War I, James Hewitson showed incredible bravery. This happened in Givenchy, France. He was 25 years old at the time.
His unit was attacking enemy positions. Lance-Corporal Hewitson led his group directly to their target. They cleared out enemy soldiers from trenches and dug-outs. He even stopped six enemy soldiers who refused to give up.
After taking their main objective, he saw an enemy machine-gun team setting up. They were getting ready to fire at his men. Without hesitation, he moved around the edge of a crater. He then attacked the machine-gun team himself. He bravely stopped four of them and captured one.
Soon after, a group of enemy soldiers tried to attack a machine gun used by his side. James Hewitson quickly stopped them. He bravely fought six of these attackers. His actions saved his fellow soldiers.
His Legacy
James Hewitson survived the war. He passed away on March 2, 1963, in Ulverston. He is buried in St Andrew's Churchyard in Coniston, his hometown. His Victoria Cross medal is now privately owned. His story reminds us of the incredible bravery shown by soldiers during wartime.
