TRIBUTES have been flooding in for city war veteran John Hewlett, who touched the lives of many people throughout Worcestershire.

Mr Hewlett along with his wife Betty, had organised the local Poppy Appeal and raised thousands of pounds for the Royal British Legion.

Better known as Jack to his friends and family, Mr Hewlett was considered the face of the legion in Worcester.

Ken Draper, county chairman of the Royal British Legion and West Midlands area representative of the National Branch of Trustees said he was very sad to hear the news.

"He was a stalwart legionnaire. He was always there on the remembrance services to give exultation outside the cathedral at the war memorial. He was also very much involved with his beloved Sea Scouts. It is a very sad day for us all."

He added he was pleased he was able to be given his MBE before he died but said it was long overdue.

"There will be a great void in the legion in Worcester and the county and he will be sorely missed."

Chairman of the Worcester City branch Allan Poyner said: "Our thoughts are with the family at this very sad time. He will be very sorely missed. This should have been his proudest year with an MBE. It is very sad that he isn't going to be around anymore. He has always been the face of the legion."

The Mayor of Worcester, Coun Stephen Inman, said: "He was a great stalwart and was so proud to organise the Remembrance Day service and to represent the British Legion. He was a stickler for getting things just right and the event was made a more meaningful occasion because of his involvement."

Worcester MP Mike Foster gave his condolences to the family and said he was proud to have known him for the past 10 years.

"It is always sad when someone passes away. John served his county and also the city of Worcester. That is the two hallmarks of a life that has been lived to the full."

County manager for the Royal British Legion Martin McAleese said he was a wonderful man.

"His MBE was justly received, along with his gold membership of the Royal British Legion. What was also so good about him was his ability to get through to cadets. He was able to cross over the generations and help them understand the war."

Friend John Hinton of Victoria Avenue, off London Road said he knew Mr Hewlett since the end of the war.

"He was at the forefront of the Royal British Legion and his wife Betty gave him such a lot of support too. He will be greatly missed."

Add your tributes to the bottom of our original story here.

  • View our picture gallery of John Hewlett here.