Lot 5102

Description

Pair: Military Medal (GVR); British War Medal 1914-18. 1004 L.Cpl C.Stewart. 37/AUST:INF: on first medal, 1004 L/CPL C Stewart. 37 BN. A.I.F. on the second medal. Impressed. Very fine.

MM citation: 'In the operation at Clery on the 29th/30th August 1918 this NCO showed great courage and initiative. An enemy party of about 20 bombers advanced on and bombed the post which he commanded. He conspicuously kept his Lewis Gun in action, forcing the enemy bombers to take shelter and organising his gun team as a bombing party rushed forward with them succeeding in completely destroying the enemy bombing party. He did very good work in previous operation at Bray and Suzanne as No 2 of a Lewis Gun team.' Second Supplement No 31338 to LG 13 May 1919 CG No 109 15 September 1919. Charles Stewart, born Aberdeen, Scotland and enlisted in Melbourne having served two years with Gordon Highlanders up to 1913. He embarked with 37 Battalion AIF from Melbourne on 3 June 1916 aboard HMAT Persic. He was WIA in France on 27 February 1917 (GSW to thigh), again on 10 February 1918 (GSW right shoulder & chest) and then again on 9 September 1918 (Gassed). He was awarded the MM on 25 October 1918. He was also sent a Congratulatory Card issued by the General Officer Commanding 4th Army British Expeditionary Force for the conspicuous manner in which he conducted himself on the battlefield in the face of the enemy. Returned to Australia with 5 Battalion AIF on 25 January 1919. Ex Tom Hanley Collection.