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NZ404364 Sergeant Theodore Stephen HEWLAND. (surname underlined)
Mother Mrs. J.R. Hewland of Christchurch.

Theodore Hewland was born at Christchurch on the 18th July 1919, and received his secondary education at the Cathedral Grammar School, and Christs College, attaining Matriculation standard. He played football, and represented his College in athletics, and on leaving school was a member of the Christchurch Rugby Football Club. For some time after leaving school he was employed in a clerical capacity by various firms in Christchurch, and in 1937 joined the staff of the Bell Cycle and Motor Co., Ltd., as a representative salesman. He was so employed on the 11th October, 1939 when he applied for enlistment in aircrew.

Sergeant Hewland was enlisted at the Initial Training Wing, Levin, on the 24th November 1940 and on completion of his Ground Training Course, proceeded to No. 3 Elementary Flying Training School, Harewood, to commence his flying training. He embarked on the "Awatea" for Canada on the 27th February, 1941 to continue his training under the Empire Air Training Scheme.

On arrival Sergeant Hewland proceeded to No. 6 Service Flying Training School, Dunville, Ontario, and while at this Unit, he was awarded the Flying Badge and promoted to the rank of Sergeant on the 9th June. Shortly after his promotion, on the 14th of the month, he was posted to No. 1 "M" Depot, Debert, Nova Scotia, for embarkation to the United Kingdom.

Sergeant Hewland arrived at No. 3 Personnel Reception Centre, Bournemouth on the 30th June, and remained attached there until his posting on the 14th July, to No. 52 Operational Training Unit, Aston Down, Gloucestershire, for crewing up, prior to commencing operational flying on the 25th August, as a member of No. 136 Squadorn, Kirton-In-Lindsey, Lincolnshire.

On the 3rd September, 1941, Sergeant Hewland was the pilot of a Hurricane aircraft engaged in carrying out practice formation flying with other aircraft, and on striking another aircraft, crashed one mile east of the aerodrome at Kirton-In-Lindsey, Sergeant Hewland losing his life.