| He enlisted in the Western Universities Battalion in June 1917. He served as bugler with that unit at Camp Hughes. He was appointed as a Lance-Corporal Canadian Signals Corps. (CFR). He was appointed as a Second Lieutenant RFC (With seniority dated 06/10/1916). He served in #55 Squadron 12/03/1918 - 12/08/1918 (killed in action). He was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross "For gallantry and skill as an observer on long distance bombing raids. During a raid a few months back he was in the deputy-leader's machine (which usually had to bear the brunt of an attack), and in the course of repelling vigorous enemy attacks he had a breakage in his gun, with the result he could only fire single shots. In these circumstances he would have been justified in causing his pilot to close up under the remainder of the formation, but with great coolness and sound judgement he maintained his place, and thus avoided the risk of impairing the squadron's defensive efficiency. By his action he rendered the most valuable assistance to his formation in holding off the enemy, and by the time the enemy had been dispersed he had fired 200 rounds by single shots with excellent effect. Lieutenant Stewart has rendered further distinguished services during the past month, displaying great ability and absolute fearlessness." |
