Lot 4569

Description

Colonial Auxiliary Forces Officer's Decoration, (EVIIR), with brooch bar suspender. Capt C.M. Stevenson 2 A.I.Regt 29.4.05. Engraved. Back of ribbon marked by tape and uneven toning on reverse of medal due to removal of double sided tape, otherwise good very fine.

VD: CAG No.20 29/4/1905, p366.

Capt Charles Moore Stevenson died at Sydney in February 1909 at the age of 49. His death was a devastating blow on the community of Kiama where he was held in very high regard. Flags were flown at half mast and some businesses closed out of respect for his passing. His funeral was conducted with full military honours with participation by a large military contingent and also a large representative of the Masonic Lodge due to his elevated position within that organisation.

On 31 May 1909 a large gathering of residents of Kiama was held near the drill hill to witness the unveiling of a memorial obelisk erected by the officers, NCOs and men of E Company, First Battalion, 2nd A.I.R. in memory of Capt Stevenson who served with the 2nd Regiment from 25 October 1886 to 11 February 1909. Brig-Col C.M. Raanclaud VD unveiled the monument which is of Victorian bluestone surmounted by 3 columns of Swedish emerald green granite bearing the inscription, 'Erected to the memory of Captain C.M. Stevenson, V.D., by his late comrades of the E (Kiama) Company, 2nd A.I. Regiment, 1909'. The monument occupies a position at the east end of the military ground and faces Manning Street.