To commemorate 100 years since the Armistice, we would like to introduce you to 100 members of Caulfield RSL over the next 100 days
James Campbell Stewart
Born in Port Fairy in 1884, James Campbell Stewart is the next in our list of 100 members being remembered.
Originally becoming a bank officer, he followed his great love of soldering, joining the Victorian Scottish Regiment in 1901 after moving to Melbourne.
Once war was declared, Stewart enlisted on 17 August 1914 and was appointed adjutant of the 5th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force. The Gallipoli landing proved a stern test. Amid the chaos and carnage of 25 April 1915 Stewart was soon acting battalion commander, and early that afternoon led the battalion reserve forward 'under the hail of shell fire' to the fighting on 400 Plateau. About 3 p.m. he was hit by shrapnel and later evacuated to Egypt. He returned to Gallipoli on 2 June and remained with the 5th Battalion until the evacuation.
In February 1916 the A.I.F. was enlarged and Stewart was appointed to command the 57th Battalion in the newly created 15th Brigade; he was a lieutenant-colonel from 12 March.
He was awarded the DSO following an offensive in September 1917 with the following citation "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When his battalion was ordered to fill a gap in the line caused by an enemy attack, he personally reconnoitred the position in advance of his battalion under an intense enemy barrage. Though the enemy were pressing forward fresh troops and machine guns, by his courageous leadership and example he succeeded in filling the gap with his battalion, consolidated the position in spite of very heavy fire, and held it until relieved. The loyal support which he rendered to other batallions was in a great measure the cause of the success of the operations. On previous occasions he has been largely responsible for the success achieved by his brigade."
Post war, he lived in Elwood and is first recorded as a Caulfield member in 1933.
Stewart tried to re-enlist in World War 2, but was declined due to age and medical conditions.
He passed away in 1947.
Lest we forget