[ London Gazette, 24 February 1857 ], Sebastopol, Crimea, 26 October 1854, Lieutenant William Hewett, Royal Navy ( Naval Brigade )

1st. On the occasion of a repulse of a sortie of Russians by Sir De Lacy Evans' Division on the 26th October 1854, Mr Hewett, then Acting-Mate of Her Majesty's Ship 'Beagle' was in charge of the Right Lancaster Battery before Sebastopol. The advance of the Russians placed the gun in great jeopardy, their skirmishers advancing within 300 yards of the Battery, and pouring in a sharp fire from their Minie rifles.

By some misapprehension the word was passed to spike the gun and retreat; but Mr Hewett, taking upon himself the responsibility of disregarding the order, replied, that "Such order did not come from Captain Lushington, and he would not do it until it did" Mr Hewett then pulled down the parapet of the Battery, and with the assistance of some soldiers, got his gun round, and poured upon the advancing column of Russians a most destructive and effective fire.

For the gallantry exhibited on this occasion, the Board of Admiralty promoted him to the rank of Lieutenant.

2nd. On the 5th November 1854, at the Battle of Inkerman, Captain Lushington again brought before the Commander-in-Chief the services of Mr Hewett, saying, "I have much pleasure in again bringing Mr Hewett’s gallant conduct to your notice"

William Hewett was invested with his Victoria Cross by Queen Victoria in Hyde Park, London, on the 26th June 1857.