Monday 17 April 2017

Sergeant Alexander Stewart, DCM, MM

Born on 12 July 1886 in Croy, Nairnshire, Scotland - husband of Mary Stewart, Brantford, Ontario - at the time of his enlistment in 1916: present address same as wife; trade as police constable; married; currently serving with the 38th Regiment Dufferin Rifles of Canada; previously served with the Highland Garrison Artillery (four years); Presbyterian; height of 6 feet 0 inches; chest of 39 inches fully expanded; fair complexion; brown eyes; brown hair.

Joined the 215th Battalion, CEF, in Brantford, Ontario, on 6 March 1916 (number 270005) - taken on the strength of the 38th Battalion, CEF, on 27 or 28 March 1918 - struck off the strength of the 38th Battalion on 16 June 1919.

Awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal - official citation: "For gallantry and devotion to duty during operations resulting in the capture of Valenciennes and towns east of that city, from 27th October to 5th November, 1918. When the company was advancing in artillery formation from St. Saulve, on 2nd November, it suddenly came under severe machine gun fire and a heavy enemy barrage. He moved across the entire company frontage twice, and by his disregard of safety set a splendid example to all." - unit recommendation dated 26 December 1918: "For Gallantry during operations near Valenciennes (Peace Despatch)."

Awarded the Military Medal - no official citation - unit recommendation dated November 1918: "For gallantry during operation around Valenciennes from Nov. 1 to 5/18."

Stewart later served as the Chief of Police in Barrie, Ontario, from 1925 to 1945.

(sources: Library and Archives Canada (www.collectionscanada.gc.ca), online attestation papers; Canadian War Museum, 19740281-001, Manu 58F 2 3, 207th Canadian Infantry Battalion and 38th Canadian Infantry Battalion, Nominal Roll; The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa Regimental Museum, A400-0007, Master Personnel List for the 38th Canadian Infantry Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force; Canadian War Museum, 19680229-001, Manu 58C 1 2.18, Honours and Awards, 38th Battalion (Records of recommendations for honours and awards and mentioned in dispatches 19161121 19190117))

(Thanks to Darcy Murray for the information and photograph of Police Chief Stewart.)

1 comment:

Unknown said...

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10212264967843485&set=gm.1285520621530338&type=3&theater Alexander Stewart was the Police Chief in Barrie Ontario in the 1920s