Vice-Admiral Sir William Hewett VC

A carte-de-visite portrait of William Nathan Wrighte Hewett (1834-1888), a recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. He later gained the rank of Vice-Admiral and became a Knight Commander of the Bath.

Born the son of a Brighton physician, Hewett joined the Navy in 1847. He eared his Victoria Cross at Sebastopol during the Crimean War. Today the medal is displayed at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich.

Sir William Hewett died on 13 May 1888, shortly after his retirement.

Photographed by Fleming of Southsea.