Profile compiled by David McMillan.
Adam Thompson Stewart was born in Scotland in 1891, one of about 10 children and then not of great means. His father was killed in 1901 in a mine accident.
He joined the Territorial Army in about 1908 and was a Sergeant in the 5th Scottish Rifles by 1914. He was a Mason, Temperance League and active in youth recreation. He was probably a Cameronian. He was in action immediately in 1914 and rose to Warrant Officer in Motor Machine Gun Corp. In 1916 he was awarded the Military Cross:
1115 By. S.-Maj. Adam Thompson Stewart, M.M. Gun Corps.
For conspicuous gallantry. He rescued under heavy fire his C.O. and a gunner who were both buried. Later, he continued to work his guns though the trench was practically blotted out. He has on other occasions set a fine example to his men.
London Gazette 14-November-1916
He was sent back to the UK for officer training and promoted to 2nd Lieutenant. In 1917 he was awarded the Bar to his MC (Bars were awarded to the MC in recognition of the performance of further acts of gallantry meriting the award):
T./2nd Lt. Adam Thompson Stewart, M.G. Corps.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Finding the infantry attack held up, he reorganised and led forward two companies. During a counter-attack he kept his guns in action, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy, and when almost surrounded withdrew his guns and got them into action in a fresh position. His prompt action and gallant conduct were beyond all praise.
London Gazette 19-March-1918
Officers supplied their own uniforms and accommodation, and with a wife and children in Glasgow without a home, Stewart was stressed paying a French accommodation bill at the end of the war. He was court-martialled for fraud – bouncing cheques. And he was a serial offender.
This was no ‘Winslow Boy’ one-off; he made a habit of it. There were double-figure specimen charges, and the ‘straw which broke the camel’s back’ was a cheque for six pounds passed in an estaminet (a small cafe selling alcoholic drinks.). Bouncing cheques was a heinous offense for an officer;
London Gazette, dated 31 December 1918:
MACHINE GUN COUPS (MOTOR). Temp. 2nd Lt. A. T. Stewart is cashiered by sentence of a General Court-Martial.
10th January London Gazette:
“His Majesty the KING has directed that the award of the Military Cross and Bar to T. /2nd Lt. Adam Thompson Stewart, Motor Machine Gun Corps, shall be cancelled, and his name erased from the Register, in consequence of his conviction and dismissal by sentence of General Court-Martial.”
Stewart served a short period in gaol and then agreed to be broken down to corporal and sent to Northern Russia in 1919 with the 45th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers.
In Russia, he tried to make amends, including taking a group behind the lines and capturing a Russian officer for interrogation. This was not well received as it was not under orders.
When he returned to Scotland, Stewart campaigned for forgiveness. This eventually occurred due to his service and gallant conduct in that campaign, except that his commission was not included. He was reinstated with medals and discharged. Broke, he was given a post at Glasgow University and a home for his now 5 children.
5th March, 1920.
His Majesty The KING has been graciously pleased to approve that the Military Cross and Bar to the Military Cross which were forfeited by Temporary Second Lieutenant Adam Thompson Stewart, Machine Gun Corps, in accordance with the terms of the notification in the London Gazette dated 11th January, 1919, shall now be restored to him in recognition of distinguished services subsequently rendered in the Field while serving as No.133085 Corporal, 45th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers.
Stewart left Scotland in 1925 for Melbourne with a letter to the University for a similar post.
He met Australians on the ship and disembarked at Fremantle for a new gold mine at Wiluna. He was said to have his pistol with him on the 1200km motor-bike bush trek. In 1927, his family joined him and he established the Parents & Citizens in Wiluna and was a Mason. He had shrapnel in his leg requiring constant poultice.
Adam Stewart MC and Bar were killed in an accident at the mine in 1931, aged 40. He was struck by a cage and knocked 30 feet down the rill. Death was instantaneous. Thirty-three cars followed the hearse and over 300 people attended the funeral at Wiluna Cemetery.
DEATHS … “STEWART. — On October 1, 1931, at Wiluna mine, Adam Thompson Stewart (accidentally killed), dearly beloved husband of Minnie Monroe Stewart, and fond father of Adam, Helen, Monty, Minnie, Douglas and Thompson; aged 40 years. Late lieutenant, M.C. and Bar, Scottish Rifles (Cameronians) and Machine Gun Section 51st Highland Division”
As a matter of interest three sons, Adam, Monty and Douglas fought in WW2. Adam and Monty were mortared together at Kokoda, Adam being killed. Monty fought through New Guinea and was severely wounded in the Borneo invasion.
Source: http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/topic/15705-t2-lt-adam-thompson-stewart-mmgc/
He died in Wiluna WA and is buried in the Wiluna Cemetery:
