Colin Roy Hewlett DFC
Memorial: Hambrook - Whiteshill Common
Regiment: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Medals: 1939–45 Star, Distinguish Flying Cross, War Medal 1939–1945
Rank and number: Flight Lieutenant Pilot 69438
Parents: Marshall William and Daisy Beatrice (nee Lott) Hewlett
Marital status: Single
Home address: Muller Road, Ashley Down until 1940 then Begbrook Park, Frenchay
Pre-war occupation: Worked at Wilways laundry with his father
Date of birth: 1920
Date of death: 12/12/1942
Buried/Commemorated at: Buried St John the Baptist Churchyard (Ref. NE. 1. 103.), Frenchay and commemorated on Hambrook War Memorial and St John the Baptist Church, Frenchay
Age: 22
Further information:
Colin was an only child and went to Cotham Grammar School. He was called up in June 1939 and completed his training in 3 months, then joined No. 65 Squadron at Hornchurch. Colin flew a Spitfire during the Battle of Britain and in February 1942 shot down a Messerschmitt. He flew with skilful leadership and distinction in combined operations at Dieppe on the 19th August 1942 and was awarded the DFC in November 1942, less than a month before he was killed. On the day of his death, Colin volunteered to test fly a Spitfire that had been repaired. During the flight there was an explosion in the engine but Colin managed to parachute out. However, when he reached the ground he was found to have died from a broken neck. At the time of his death he was engaged to be married.
There is more information about Colin Hewlett on the Frenchay Museum website: http://www.frenchaymuseumarchives.co.uk/Archives/PagesBiogy/Hewlett-Colin.htm
By kind permission, this information is based on the following source(s):
This information has been provided by Sarah Hands, Volunteer Researcher for the South Gloucestershire War Memorials Web Site.
By kind permission, this information is based on the following source(s):
https://www.cwgc.org/
https://www.ancestry.co.uk/
https://www.findmypast.co.uk/
https://www.forces-war-records.co.uk/