Veteran honoured at street naming
Chick Hewett says a few words outside of the 420 Wing of the Royal Canadian Air Force during the ceremony that saw the street directly in front of the 420 Wing become Chick Hewett Lane. Hewett, a member of the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II flew 35 missions as a navigator inside a Lancaster Bomber.
By Joel Wittnebel/The Oshawa Express
It’s like something out of an action movie.
During the Second World War, Chick Hewett, now 93, flew 35 missions as a navigator in a Lancaster Bomber between 1944 and 1945 as part of the Royal Air Force Bomber Command.
“I was, perhaps, one of the lucky ones to survive in that situation,” Hewett says.
“If you’ve ever watched any war movies, you know that’s no easy feat,” Councillor Bob 
Chapman told the throngs of Hewett’s family, veterans and other members of city council gathered outside the 420 Wing. The crowd was gathered at the Royal Canadian Air Force Association at the end of Stevenson Road North on April 1 for the ceremony to name a street in his Hewett’s honour.
And there is no better street to be named Chick Hewett Lane than the one adjacent to the 420 Wing.
“It’s almost my second home,” Hewett says.
Now officially known as Chick Hewett Lane, the sign, complete with Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) insignia, Hewett says he is overwhelmed.
“I’m no different than the majority of people,” Hewett said. “It’s a pity we can’t all be honoured.”
“It’s such an honour to be honoured in this way,” he added.
Mayor John Henry was also on hand and commended Hewett’s accomplishments throughout his time with the air force and his life after.
“People come here to live the Canadian dream and we can live that because of you,” Henry said.
April 1 is also a special day in the history of the RCAF, which was officially formed on that day in 1924 – 91 years ago.