The Douglas-Morris Collection of Naval Medals

Three: Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, dated reverse, no clasp (Mr. C. W. Hewett, I.G.S. “Amberwitch”); India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, Burma 1885-7 (Captn. C. W. Hewett, H.M.I.M.S.); Khedive’s Star 1882, contact marks, otherwise very fine (3)

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Douglas-Morris Collection of Naval Medals.

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Charles Hewett was born in Bridgnorth, Shropshire, on 14 January 1858 and served a five year Apprenticeship with Messrs Thomas Edwards Greenshields of Liverpool. He had previously been trained in 'Worcester' Nautical College and received a scholastic and extra 1st Class Certificate. He was awarded the Board of Trade 2nd Mates Certificate on 15 June 1877. He joined the Indian Marine as a 3rd Grade Officer aboard TENASSERIM on 20 August 1877, advanced to Acting 2nd Officer, 23 October 1878, and confirmed in the rank on 24 September 1879. In this rank he subsequently served aboard SEMERAMIS (October 1880), TENASSERIM (October 1880), and MAY FRERE (October 1880). In the last named vessel he also served as Squadron Executive Officer. He next joined DAGMA (December 1880) and AMBERWITCH (November 1881). Promoted to Officiating 1st Grade Officer on 28 November 1881, he served in this rank aboard AMBERWITCH until confirmed in the rank of 1st Grade Officer 11 July 1882. He joined TENASSERIM in May 1883 and was appointed Officer in Charge of Hulks and for duty as a Staff Officer in June 1884. He was next afloat in Command of MAY FRERE (September 1884), TENASSERIM (May 1885) and IRRAWADDY (May 1885).

Whilst in command of the IRRAWADDY he materially assisted the military operations in Upper Burma during the War of 1885-87, being heavily involved in the movement of troops and stores, and was Mentioned in Despatches: “Captain Hewett was Commander of the IRRAWADDY Gunboat when she came up river and did the principal fighting of the Expedition. Gave much satisfaction in that position, sailed and helped to fight his ship and has since done excellent work as Marine Transport Officer and Chief of the Indian Marine in Upper Burma. A very great deal of work has fallen on his shoulders and he did it right well.”

He was appointed Marine Transport Officer and Senior Marine Officer at Mandalay and Upper Burma in August 1886 and was specially promoted to Commander in recognition of his war services on 29 May 1887. In England he attended Gunnery and Torpedo Courses (October 1887-February 1888) and was awarded 2nd Class Certificates in Gunnery and Torpedo whilst on Course at EXCELLENT and VERNON. He took Command of DALHOUSIE (October 1888), CANNING (June 1890) and CLIVE (November 1891). He was appointed Officiating Deputy Conservator of the Port of Madras in June 1892 and after taking annual and privileged leave in 1893 he was, on his return to India, again appointed to this position. He was next appointed Acting Presidency Port Officer at Madras in October 1894 but reverted to Deputy Conservator for the Port of Madras in December 1894. Whilst in this post he was promoted to Commander 1st Grade on 8 March 1897. He was appointed Port Officer at Karachi in September 1897 and continued to serve in this capacity until retired on 24 August 1902, having served for 25 years. He was made Captain (Retired) on 27 February 1920 and died on 4 December 1942, aged 84 years.