William (Bill) Frederick Hewitson (DOB 7-20-1917) was the Acting Corporal in the Royal Air Force ground crew as the specialized gas instructor. The location was “Moreton – in – Marsh” airfield in England. It served as a training and bomber base for both the RAF and the US Army Air Core. From there they mounted raids on such targets as Cologne, Dresden, and Hamburg. The period in time was World War II and our flag was there.

The Allies won the war and the Americans lowered their battle flag and went home. However in appreciation for the English ground support crews they presented them that USA flag. It was turned over to Bill for safekeeping in which he treasured and took care of until his death February 2007. His son Steve then took over the honors until his death in September 2007.

At that point the remaining family members gathered and decided it would be appropriate for Bill’s daughter Lindsey Hewitson Sladden to return the flag home to America and dedicate it to the Boozefighters – in memory of our “ORIGINAL FOUNDERS” that helped win WWII.

During our opening of the BFMC National Meeting 10 – 20 – 07 ( Read The Story) Lin was called up front as JQ explained the significance of her presentation of the flag. With the assistance of some others that old WWII Battle Flag was carefully unfolded for all to see, appreciate, and pledge allegiance to. I do believe that was the most emotional pledge we’ve ever done.

11 – 11 – 07…Considering that today is “VETERANS DAY” I thought it fitting for me to borrow that historic flag from our museum collection and hoist her up my flag pole at home. “WOW” what a sight as it took wind and sailed out proudly. The neighbors had a party going on of approximately 60 people and I took pride explaining to them why I had such a big display of the Stars & Stripes. Lots of folks driving down the road did a double take too.

I might add that for the first time since my Air Force days back in the 50’s & 60’s I snapped to, clicked my heels, and saluted a military command post flag. And I thought about how beautiful that 48 star “OLD GLORY” must have looked to our Air Core troops back in England during the 1940’s; Especially those bomber crews as they returned from dropping their ordinance over enemy territory such as Hamburg. And I thought about the numerous service men that fought for that flag…and never made it back to salute her ever again. So I proudly called out loud…”THIS SALUTE IS FOR ALL OF YOU WWII TROOPS, DEAD OR ALIVE, AND TO YOUOLD GLORY THAT AFTER 62 YEARS HAS TAKEN FLIGHT ONCE MORE. GOD BLESS AMERICA !!!”

Happy Veterans Day

JQ ‘HISTORY’ (RET)