William George Hewett

The Officer Who Earned the Military Cross Twice

True leadership is measured not by rank, but by the courage to lead when the odds are greatest. Brigadier William George Hewett embodied that principle throughout a military career that spanned both World Wars and decades of service across the British Empire. Twice awarded the Military Cross for gallantry and later appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), Hewett earned a reputation as a courageous battlefield leader whose service extended from the trenches of the First World War to senior command during the Second.

Born on 9 August 1893, Hewett was commissioned into the British Army and first proved his leadership during the First World War. Serving on the Western Front, he displayed exceptional bravery under fire and was awarded the Military Cross for gallant conduct. His continued courage and distinguished leadership earned him a Bar to the Military Cross, making him one of the comparatively few officers to receive the decoration twice. He was also Mentioned in Despatches, a mark of distinguished service recognized by the bronze oak leaf worn on his Victory Medal ribbon.

His First World War service was recognized with the 1914 Star with clasp, the British War Medal 1914–1920, and the Victory Medal, reflecting his participation from the earliest stages of the conflict. Between the wars, Hewett continued to serve throughout the British Empire, earning the India General Service Medal (1936) for active operations on the North West Frontier of India and later receiving the King George V Coronation Medal in recognition of his service during the 1935 Coronation celebrations.

During the Second World War, Hewett again answered the call to duty, serving in senior command appointments while helping direct British military operations during one of history's greatest conflicts. His distinguished wartime leadership was recognized by his appointment as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). He also received the Defence Medal and the War Medal 1939–1945, while the French Government honored his contribution to the liberation of Europe with the Croix de Guerre 1939–1945, recognizing his service alongside Allied forces.

Over more than three decades of military service, William George Hewett combined personal gallantry with capable leadership. His decorations, including the Officer of the Order of the British Empire, the Military Cross and Bar, the 1914 Star, the British War Medal 1914–1920, the Victory Medal, the India General Service Medal (1936), the Defence Medal, the War Medal 1939–1945, the King George V Coronation Medal, and the French Croix de Guerre 1939–1945, reflect a career marked by courage, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to duty.

Today, Brigadier William George Hewett is remembered as one of Britain's distinguished career officers whose service bridged two world wars. His repeated acts of gallantry, steady leadership, and dedication to his soldiers remain an enduring example of the qualities that defined the finest officers of the British Army.