John McDougall STEWART [10481] ^{8029,8031,8032,8033,8100}

  General Notes:

John enlisted in World War 1 and his service number was 131. He was killed in action in April 1918 after serving 3 and a half years. He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in October 1917 for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He continually led his bearers under heavy barrages, often acting as bearer himself to fill the place of casualties. He worked continuously for thirty six hours without a rest and by his splendid example acted as a high incentive to his men.

John's effects were returning to Australia on the Barunga, which was destroyed by enemy fire with all cargo lost.

His father was to be presented with John's DCM in Melbourne on 27 September 1918, but unfortunately Samuel died only two weeks before that date from blood poisoning.

Bairnsdale Advertiser and Tambo and Omeo Chronicle (Vic. : 1882 - 1918) Wed 8 May 1918 Page 2 Family Notices
Every Week (Bairnsdale, Vic. : 1914 - 1918) Thu 9 May 1918 Page 2 Family Notices
The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957) View title info Wed 15 May 1918 Page 1 Family Notices

STEWART.-In loving memory of Sergt. John McDougal Stewart, D .C.M., eldest son of Mr and Mrs S. P. Stewart, Marlo, East Gippsland, late Warwickshire, England, killed in action in France, April 23, 1918 (3 1/2 years' service).

Snowy River Mail (Orbost, Vic. : 1911 - 1918) Fri 10 May 1918 Page 2 Family Notices
STEWART.-In loving memory of Sergt. John McDougal Stewart, D.C.M., eldest son of Mr and Mrs S. P. Stewart, of Marlo, East Gippsland, Victoria (late Warwickshire, England) killed in action in France, April 23rd, 1918. Volunteered September 1914.

Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 - 1954) Sat 18 May 1918 Page 33 WAR SERVICE
GIPPSLAND HERO KILLED
Sergeant. John McDougal Stewart, D.C.M., son of Mr and Mrs S. P. Stewart, of Marlo, East Gippsland (late of Warwickshire, England). is reported killed in action in France on April 23. Sergeant Stewart volunteered for the Light Horse in September, 1914. was three times rejected, but was ultimately accepted for the Army Mcdieal Corps. He was in Egypt about two years, and was then sent to France. He twice applied for leave to join the firing line, but was refused. Then a call came for stretcher-bearers, for which he, volunteered. He was slightly wounded twice,
gassed once, was mentioned in despatches and awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal
for conspicuous gallantly in the field.

Commonwealth War Graves information
Rank:Sergeant
Service No:131
Date of Death:23/04/1918
Age:34
Regiment/Service:Australian Army Medical Corps 2nd Field Amb.
Awards:D C M
Grave Reference: III. B. 2.
Cemetery:HAZEBROUCK COMMUNAL CEMETERY
Additional Information:Son of Lucy May Stewart and the late Samuel Parr Stewart. Native of England.

  Noted events in his life were:

1. Residence: Relation to Head of House: Son, 1891, Pulham, Norfolk, England. ⁸⁰³²

2. Residence: Relation to Head: Son, 1901, Chilvers Coton, Warwickshire, England. ⁸⁰³¹

3. Military: Service No:131 ww1, 1914-1918.