THE COMMANDING OFFICER.
The following is a very brief review of the career of Wing Commanded F. E. T. Hewlett, D.S.O. 0.8. E., who assumed
command of this Station in August, 1940.
Born in London, 31/1/1891.
Entered Royal Navy as Cadet and passed through R.N. Colleges Osbourne and Dartmouth.
Gazetted as Midshipman, R.N., 1908, and Sub-Lieut., R.N., 1912.
Learnt to fly at Mrs. Hewlett’s School, Brooklands (his mother) and got his International Pilot’s Certificate, No. 156, on November 11th, 1911.
Joined Naval Wing of Royal Flying Corps and worked on Seaplane experimental design as test pilot and flying instructor till start of war, 1914.
Commanded Dunkirk Seaplane Base, 1914-15 and 16 as Squadron Commander and awarded 0.8. E. as Director of Seaplane Design Air Board, 1917.
1918, Commanded 63 Wing as Lieut.-Colonel R.A.F. and awarded D.S.O.
After the war was granted permanent Commission in R.A.F. as Squadron Leader and promoted to Wing Commander, 1923, and Group Captain, 1930.
Commanded R.A.F. Base, Calshot, twice, was sent on R.A.F. commission to select the Singapore Base in 1923, and was Senior Air Force Officer of H.M.S. Furious (aircraft carrier) for a year.
On retirement as Group Captain joined his family in N.Z. and settled in Tauranga.
Worked as a garage mechanic in Tauranga and opened own motor business in 1935.
Started a vineyard for making wine at Tauranga.
Chairman of Tauranga Chamber of Commerce, 1938-39.
Gazetted Wing Commander, R.N.Z.A.F., 12th August, 1939.
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Bibliographic details
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Erk's Work, 1 February 1941, Page 2
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239THE COMMANDING OFFICER. Erk's Work, 1 February 1941, Page 2
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