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Auction: 21003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 341

Three: Lieutenant J. A. Stewart, No. 21 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps, late King's Own Scottish Borderers, who was mortally wounded in an air combat with Pour le Merite recipient Hans Berr on 7 October 1916 - Stewart had taken off with four other aeroplanes but were intercepted by enemy from Jasta 2 and Jasta 5, which included the 'Red Baron', who shot down Lieutenant Fenwick in the same action

The gallant Stewart, something of a veteran being aged 26, died a lingering death and expired on 12 October at La Havre

1914-15 Star (Lieut. J. A. Stewart. K. O. Sco. Bord.); British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. J. A. Stewart.); Great War Bronze Memorial Plaque (James Aitchison Stewart), complete with outer card envelope, together with his Memorial Scoll dedicated to 'Temp. Lt. James Aitchison Stewart Royal Flying Corps', the above all in an attractive display frame, together with period cloth RFC 'Wings', three RFC cap Badges and photograph of the recipient, nearly extremely fine (Lot)

James Aitchison Stewart was born at Edinburgh on 25 March 1890 , the son of a Medical Doctor and was educated at the Edinburgh Institution and Edinburgh Academy. A student of Medicine, 1907-11, he served in the O.T.C. Artillery, having previously served in the 9th Volunteer Battalion, Royal Scots. Commissioned into the 7th Battalion, Royal Scots in 1911, he transferred to the King's Own Scottish Borderers. Stewart first saw action with the 7th Battalion in France during 1915, being granted sick leave from 20 August 1915. Transferred to the Royal Flying Corps, he joined No. 21 Squadron flying BE12's. As recalled in Under the Guns of the Red Baron:

Five BE.12’s took of from their base at Bertangles at 07.30hrs on an offensive Patrol led by Captain R. Neville, Neville and Lieutenant Stewart each carried bombs, they were escorted by three escorts. Jasta 2 and Jasta 5 intercepted them, Stewart dropped his bombs on a dump at Ytres and dived, he managed to land his plane at 18 Squadron’s base. He was mortally wounded in this action, having been shot up by Hans Berr, an Ace and 'Blue Max' winner. Richthofen was at this time chasing Fenwick, one of the escorts detailed to protect Stewart and Neville. Richthofen first engaged Fenwick near Rancourt, which is someway to the southwest of Ypres so he must have chased Fenwick some distance before he went down.'

The Red Baron landed in order to confirm the victory and even took the souvenir of the section of canvas with the number 6618 to decorate his hut wall.

The gallant Stewart was transferred to No. 2 General Hospital and died several days later on 12 October 1916, being buried at the St Marie Cemetery, La Havre. His widow claimed his effects and Medals, which were sent to her at Rushall Manor, Pewsey, Wiltshire; sold together with copied Service Record.

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Sold for
£1,900

Starting price
£950