TSM Herbert Edward Hewett, No.2 Commando PoW St Nazaire

Troop Sergeant Major Ted Hewett, 2 Troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire, later found to be a prisoner of war. He had embarked for the raid on ML447 as part of an Assault Team led by Captain Birney. The Motor Launch was hit by enemy fire on its approach and caught fire. TSM Hewett and others took to the water as it sank and he managed despite the strong current to swim to the quayside wall hauling himself ashore before being captured. Mentioned in Despatches in recognition of the distinguished service he performed whilst in captivity. Member of the Commando Association.

Regiment/Corps: Essex Regiment
Service Number: 6013031
P.O.W. number: 18674
P.O.W. camps: Front Stalag 133, nr. Rennes, France; Marlag and Milag Nord, Westertimke, Germany; and Stalag 8 B, Lamsdorf Poland
Honours & Awards: Mentioned in Despatches

Herbert Edward 'Ted' Hewett
b. 26-06-1917 West Ham
d. 05-11-2014 Essex.

[Photos courtesy of his niece Margaret Dorrell].