Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘First Day of the German Spring Offensive’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Sergeant C. Stewart, 1/6th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders, who subsequently died of wounds in October 1918

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (265603 Cpl. C. Stewart. 1/6 Gord: Highrs:); 1914 Star (10842 Pte. C. Stewart. 1/6 Gord: Highrs.); British War and Victory Medals (10842 Sjt. C. Stewart. Gordons.) together with Memorial Plaque (Charles Stewart), medals unmounted, toned, good very fine (5) £1,200-£1,600

D.C.M. London Gazette 3 September 1918:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On one occasion, when the enemy had penetrated our support line, this non-commissioned officer, at once grasping the situation, fearlessly advanced and held them until a block had been established, setting a fine example of initiative and disregard of personal safety to the men under his command. Subsequently he brought back valuable information to battalion headquarters, through heavy machine-gun fire, on two different occasions, and throughout the fighting he commanded his section with great gallantry and determination, offering a stubborn resistance to the advance of the enemy, on whom he inflicted heavy losses.’
Annotated gazette states: ‘East of Bapaume, 21 March 1918.’

Charles Stewart was born at Midmar, Aberdeenshire, and enlisted at Keith into the Gordon Highlanders. He served in France and Flanders with the 1/6th Battalion from 10 November 1914, and was a Sergeant serving with the 6/7th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders, when he died of wounds on 27 October 1918, aged 24. The son of Charles and Margaret Stewart, of Newton Croft, Midmar, he is buried in Ramillies British Cemetery, Cambrai Road.

Sold with copied research including War Diary account of the ‘operations commencing near Boursies on 21st March, 1918, and lasting till 26th March, 1918.’