Major Peter Ingles Stewart MC & Bar VD MiD
22nd Battalion AIF
by Robert Simpson
Peter Ingles Stewart was born on 9th September 1892 in Yuille Street Buninyong, Victoria. He was the youngest son born to Peter Ingles Stewart and Margaret Black, who had twelve children in all, from 1873 to 1908. There were 5 boys and 7 girls and most lived into adulthood. Peter and Margaret had been married in Ballarat on 30th January 1873. Peter had been born in Warrenheip in 1851 and Margaret in Geelong in 1854. Peter’s father Donald had migrated from Scotland with his wife in 1841. He named his son in honour of his employer, Peter Inglis, who was a famous founding colonist of Victoria. His hospitality and generosity was well known in those times. Warrenheip was one of his properties. At some stage Inglis was changed or corrupted to Ingles. Peter was educated at Buninyong State School, before following business pursuits in Melbourne. He lived in Buninyong for many years before settling on land at Carrum, according to the Ballarat and District Citizens and Sports 1916, a publication listing people from the area. While in Melbourne, he joined the Yarra Borderers, (56th Regiment).
On 29th April 1915, Peter married Lillian May Harvey at South Melbourne. Lillian had been born on 6th May 1894 at Eaglehawk Victoria, a daughter to Richard Harvey and Grace Morcom Whitford, who had married in 1876 in Victoria. Grace had migrated from England in 1870. Richard, who migrated from England in 1869, was an engine driver in the 1903 Electoral Roll, but by the 1909 roll, he was a farmer at Carrum. In the 1914 roll, he was an engine driver and they were living at Long Gully. In The Argus on Saturday 1st May 1915 page 11 under family notices – “STEWART—HARVEY.—On the 29th April, at the Presbyterian Manse, Dorcas street, South Melbourne, by Rev. A. McCarlie – Inglis, Peter Stewart, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. P. Stewart, of 136 Union street, Windsor, to Lillian May Harvey, fifth daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. Harvey, of “Fernleigh,” Backhaus street, Long Gully, Bendigo.”
His application for a Commission in the AIF form, in the 3rd Military District, shows Ingles Peter Stewart applied on 29th April 1915. The original record has his name as Inglis Peter Stewart. He was a married British subject, born on 9th September 1892 whose present civil employment was as a builder. His religious denomination was Presbyterian. He had no educational qualifications. For his previous military qualifications, he was in the 6th AIR for 1 year and 4 months, the 56th Infantry for 2 years and 10 months and was a 2nd Lieutenant in the 56th. He qualified at that rank on 1st September 1914. His next of kin was listed as his wife, “Lillian May Stewart” and his postal address was 136 Union Street Windsor. He was issued pay book 22462. Peter was describes as being 5 foot 10 inches tall, weighing 11 stone 6 pounds, chest measurement of 35 inches and having good eyesight. His term of service was for the war and 4 months and his qualification was Machine Gun Officer.
C Company of the 22nd Infantry Battalion, as part of the 6th Infantry Brigade, embarked at Melbourne on HMAT Ulysses A38 on 10th May 1915 (another record has 8th). His name was recorded on the embarkation roll as Inglis Peter Stewart, a 23 year old 2nd Lieutenant. His trade was builder and his address was “Fernleigh” Backhaus-street, Long Gully, Bendigo, Victoria. His next of kin was listed as Lillian May Stewart, wife, of 106 Union Street Windsor. His religion was Presbyterian. Peter was being paid 15 shillings a day.
He was promoted to officer in charge of the machine gun section before they left Egypt. Peter was promoted to Lieutenant on 26th August 1915. He proceeded to join the MEF on the Gallipoli peninsula on 30th August 1915. His promotion to Lieutenant was gazetted on 2nd December 1915 and published in The Argus on the 3rd.
Lieutenant Inglis Peter Stewart was recommended for an award while in the 22nd Battalion for an action at C2 Tunnel at ANZAC on 29th October 1915, where he “Led a party of volunteers into the tunnel and assisted in bringing up the last body from the shaft. He was himself the last of the rescuing party to leave the shaft.” He had not been previously recommended. Another record for this recommendation also has written before the entry above “For his gallantry during the rescue operations at C2 Tunnel opposite JOHNSTONE”S JOLLY, ANZAC, of officers and men who were “gassed” as a result of an explosion of ammonal.” He was listed as position 6 in the awards list. The 4th Field Company Engineers had detonated a mine in tunnel C2 in the 22nd Battalion’s part of the line. It failed to break through to open air, causing the poisonous gasses from the explosion to remain in the tunnel. Lieutenant Frederick Bowra was overcome by the gasses as he was lowered into a shaft to the tunnel. Lieutenant Edwin Bazeley and Sapper Frederick Currington and the Lieutenant Charles Thom went to his aid and were all overcome. Toxic gasses were then detected coming up the shaft. Several men participated in a rescue attempt. Five men died as a result of this incident and several were hospitalised. Peter was one of them and he spent the next two days in the 6th Light Horse Field Ambulance Hospital before returning to the 22nd Battalion. A later record also mentions he was “awarded the Military Cross for conspicuous bravery in thrice descending shaft at Anzac trenches after explosion of gas, despite great personal danger, saving several men from suffocation.” Other men involved also received gallantry awards.
A record stated he was wounded on 31st October 1915 at Anzac and returned to duty on the same day from the 6th Field Ambulance. The record from the 6th Light Horse Field Ambulance is slightly different, with Lieutenant I P Stewart of the Machine Gun Section of the 22nd Battalion being admitted to hospital on 29th October being asphyxiated, and discharged to duty with the 22nd Battalion on 31st October. Lillian was notified by Base Records of this, and that it was not serious, on 5th November 1915. The 22nd Battalion served on Gallipoli until the evacuation in December 1915.
On 7th January 1916, he disembarked at Alexandria from Mudros. The Battalion arrived at Moascar on 8th March. There were many changes in the ten days they were there, including Lieutenant Stewart becoming Transport Officer. He proceeded to join the British Expeditionary Force from Alexandria on 19th March 1916, arriving at Marseilles and disembarking on the 26th. In early April 1916, the Battalion moved into the reserve breastwork trenches near Fleurbaix. After a time at Pozieres, including the major action of the Somme offensive, they headed to the Somme region and arriving at billets at Renescure on 9th July, Lieutenant Stewart became permanent Orderly Officer. He was appointed Adjutant on 27th June 1916. Another entry said he was appointed acting Adjutant on 16th July 1916.
General Sir Charles Munro’s despatches in the London Gazette of 11th July 1916 mentioned Peter for distinguished and gallant service rendered in the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force. A letter was sent to Lillian on 4th December 1916 from Base Records to 136 Union Street, advising her of this and that it had been published in the London Gazette of 11th July 1916. Peter was appointed to the rank of Captain on 12th August 1916 in France.
Captain Inglis Peter Stewart was recommended for a Mention in Despatches on 15th September 1916 “For sterling good work as Adjutant of the Battalion since landing in FRANCE (another recommendation also includes 26th March 1916). In the absence of messengers during the action at POZIERES, he carried orders to the front line under heavy fire, watching over the execution of his orders and returned with accurate and full reports. He has proved himself an Officer of sound judgement, reliable and energetic, and his conduct throughout has been most gallant. He remained on duty on recovering consciousness after being lifted off his feet by a H.E. shell at POZIERES.” The original hand-written recommendation, done on 9th August 1916, also mentioned he was “already awarded the Military Cross”, and it recommended he be awarded the Distinguished Service Order, but that was crossed out.
Lillian must have shifted around a few times, as his service records have her at c/o Mrs R Harvey of Kirkwood Street Eaglehawk Victoria and then c/o Mrs Temple of 41 Bay View Rd Yarraville Victoria.
Peter was Mentioned in Despatches as Ingles Peter Stewart, and it was published in the London Gazette on 13th July 1916 on page 6955, position 45. He was again mentioned with the entry on 4th January 1917 on page 255 position 99. He was mentioned in Sir Douglas Haig’s despatch of 13th November 1916 for distinguished and gallant conduct and devotion to duty in the field. It was published in the London Gazette of 2nd January 1917, and on 9th July 1917, Base Records sent Lillian an extract to her. On 20th December 1916, he was evacuated from the field as he was sick (pyrexia of unknown origin). He was sent through 1st AMD Station to 15th Australian Field Ambulance and was discharged back to his Battalion on 5th January 1917.
The 22nd Battalion was involved in bloody and muddy fighting in 1917 from Bullecourt to Broodseinde.
On 19th July 1917, he was sent to hospital being sick and he re-joined his battalion on 18th August. Another record said he went to Paris on leave on the 19th, was sent to hospital sick on the same day and was admitted to 2nd Red Cross Hospital at Rouen with contusions on his right foot (mild) on 26th July. Lillian was sent a letter advising her of this, but the original went to 136 Union Street Windsor (Peter’s parents address). She advised them of the address change to Kirkwood Street Eaglehawk, which they acknowledged. Lillian also asked why she did not get notification of his wounding and had to read it in the casualty lists in the local paper.
Captain Ingles Peter Stewart MC was recommended for a Bar to his MC on 14th October 1917 by the Brigadier-General commanding the 6th Australian Infantry Brigade “For the most conspicuous courage and devotion to duty. At BROODSEINDE on night 3/4th October and prior to the attack this Officer supervise the laying out of the Jumping Off Tape and the necessary forming up of the Assaulting Waves. On the morning 4th October he was in company with one N.C.O. on the corner of ZONNEBEKE LAKE in a position which had not been completely mopped up. This post was still active but this Officer dealt with the snipers with his revolver and brought back to our lines 30 prisoners and 3 Machine Guns. On the 9th October he again supervised the Battalion forming up for the attack and throughout the whole operation proved himself tireless cheerful and alert and the success of the operations entrusted to the Unit is largely due to his careful and thorough work.” On 15th September 1916, he had also been recommended for a Mention for the same event (it also had Bar to MC, but that had been crossed out). That was approved for the General List.
He was awarded a Bar to the Military Cross in the Field on 3rd November 1917. The statement for service of the award was cut and pasted into his service record and reads “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in supervising the laying out of the jumping-off tape, and the forming up of the assaulting waves. In company with one N.C.O. he found himself in a position which had not been completely mopped up. He dealt with the snipers with his revolver and brought back thirty prisoners and three machine guns.” A letter was sent to his wife at Kirkwood Street Eaglehawk from Base Records on 10th September 1918, detailing the above award which was announced in the London Gazette on 26th November 1917. She had been previously notified of the award on 21st March 1918 that the King was pleased to confer a Bar to the Military Cross for him for gallantry and distinguished service in the field.
The London Gazette published his award of a Military Cross as Lieutenant Inglis Peter Stewart on 3rd June 1916. He was awarded it as part of the list of awards of military honours in connection with the King’s birthday. . Base Records sent Lillian a notification of this on 22nd September 1916, advising her it was also published in the London Gazette of 3rd June 1916.
As Ingles, his award of the Bar to the Military Cross was published in the London Gazette on 26th November 1917 on page 12317, position 9 and the citation was published on 6th April 1918 on page 4205, position 8. An article in the Bendigonian on 17th January 1918 read “SOLDIERS HONORED. Lieut. Inglis Stewart, of Eaglehawk, has received the following letter of congratulation from General Birdwood on his being awarded a bar to the Military Cross: — “I write to congratulate you most heartily upon the award to you of a bar to the Military Cross, which you have fully earned by your conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the operations at Broodseinde on 4th and 9th October. I know that on the former date you supervised the laying out of the ‘jumping off’ tape, and the forming up of the assaulting waves. Later, with the assistance of an N.C.O., you attacked a strong post in an area which had not been completely mopped up, capturing 30 prisoners and three machine guns. On 9th October you again rendered valuable service in the initial stages of the attack, while throughout the whole operation your untiring energy and keenness greatly contributed to the success achieved. With many thanks for your good work and your good wishes for the future.”
He was attached to Headquarters of 6th Infantry Brigade on 6th February 1918 from 22nd Battalion as Acting Staff Captain. On 3rd March 1918 he ceased to be attached to Headquarters and resumed regimental duty. The Battalion was involved in actions to stop the German Spring Offensive.
The Battalion reached Renescure on 9th July 1918, where Peter became permanent Orderly Officer, and shortly afterwards Adjutant. He held this position until he was incapacitated by wounds in August 1918.
He was wounded for a second occasion on the 16th in France and went through the 7th Australian Field Ambulance and the 55th Casualty Clearing Station on the same day. Peter was then admitted to 10th British Red Cross Hospital on 17th August. He was then invalided to the UK on 24th August. Peter was admitted to 3rd London General Hospital on 26th August 1918 with gunshot wounds to the left chest, arm and knee which were described as slight. He relinquished his appointment of Adjutant on being evacuated wounded on the 16th. Peter was placed on the Regimental Seconded List as wounded on the same date.
A letter was sent to Lillian from Base Records on 16th September 1918, stating “Captain I. P. Stewart “M.C.” transferred to 3rd London General Hospital, Wandsworth, London, England, 26/8/18, suffering from gunshot wound chest, arm and knees, mild.” His postal address was to be his name and 22nd Battalion, AIF abroad. She was also sent one on 28th August, advising he had been wounded for a 2nd time. His service record described his wounding as gunshot wound to left arm, left chest and left knee.
Base Records sent Lillian a list detailing when he was wounded or ill on 6th November 1918 to 76 South Street South Melbourne for a Lodge Certificate.
In England, he was meant to return to Australia on Ulysses, but he did not embark. A note said he accidently did not embark. On 21st January 1919 he was given leave until he was recalled. A note was written stating he was “in a fit condition to have leave while awaiting to go to Australia” by a medical Captain on that day. He returned to Australia on Czaritza on 16th March 1919. On 7th April, he transhipped at Alexandria to Dunluce Castle and arrived in Melbourne on 15th May 1919.
His occupation before he enlisted was a builder from Defence Records and Form Number 2 said he was a house contractor. On his demobilisation form his Education Standard reached was State School and his permanent address on enlisting was 13 Ardoch Street Essendon. He was married to Lillian and they had no children.
Outdoors group portrait of officers, non-commissioned officers and men of the 22nd Battalion. Seated on the left is Captain Ingles Peter Stewart, MC and Bar, MID. A 23 year old builder from Bendigo, Victoria prior to being appointed a Second Lieutenant on 29 April 1915, he embarked for overseas with C Company from Melbourne on 10 May 1915 aboard HMAT Ulysses. He was wounded at Gallipoli and later awarded a Military Cross for his gallantry there. While serving on the Western Front, he was awarded a Bar to the Military Cross and was Mentioned in Despatches for his “sterling good work” at Pozieres, France. After being wounded at Pozieres on 16 August 1918, he was evacuated to England and then returned to Australia arriving on 15 May 1919.
Group portrait of officers, non-commissioned officers, and men of the 22nd Battalion. Third row: 12th from left: Captain Ingles Peter Stewart, MC & Bar.
On 9th January 1919, Peter was examined for examination of his disability and progress since the last time he was seen. He was admitted to 3rd London General Hospital and an operation was suggested by the Board in late 1918. Examination by specialists showed that sensation in the median nerve area was improving and he had fair flexion of his fingers, even his index. He still experienced cyanosis of his hand due to temperature changes. The opinion was that improvement would be maintained and that no operation was necessary. Peter said he had improved. In April 1919 a note said the arm was almost normal and he had had an injury to the median nerve. An assessment in May 1919 noted Peter complained of pain in the wound in the left arm with weakness and a stiff elbow. He had no trouble with his knee or chest and his reports were clear and general health good. The description of his wounds showed he had a healed scar of entry on the back of his scapula and in axilla, and exit scar at inner side of biceps. There was paraesthesia in distribution of median nerve in the forearm and hand, with some limitation in elevation. A prescription of assistant movements and massage of his shoulder daily was recommended with re-educative movements to the forearm, hand and fingers daily. A few days later, Peter still complained of limitation of movement of the shoulder and some fingers. He felt a muscle in his back, weak movements in some fingers and also pins and needles in some.
On 18th February 1919, Lillian sent Base Records a letter, enquiring when Peter was returning home as she had received a note from him saying he was leaving on 14th January, but she had not seen him listed in the returns in the newspaper. They replied, saying they had no record of when he was returning, but would notify her when they did and also acknowledging her change of address. In September 1919, Base Records sent him a letter at 41 Bay View Road for a Lodge Certificate, but was returned to sender as unclaimed. Another was sent to 25 Elm Grove. It was a letter to the Secretary of the Sons of Temperance Friendly Society and gave a list of his service and when he was ill or wounded.
The 1919 Electoral has Ingles Peter and Lillian May Stewart living at 25 Elm Grove Windsor and his occupation was carpenter.
Peter was entitled for the gunshot wound to the left upper arm and left axilla, but not to anything else.
Another examination in July 1919 showed the scar tissue was looser and he had full shoulder movement. He still had some issues with his hand and they said he should be fit for discharge in a month. In September, he showed more improvement but had some pain. His leg was fine. They also did an x-ray and urine test. He was diagnosed with scabies on 16th September 1919 and was treated and discharged on 4th October.
The Final Board on 5th October 1919 noted his disability was due to service but was not permanent and improvement was anticipated. He had incapacity of a third and was recommended for discharge as permanently unfit for General Service. He was granted a pension of 33% from 6th December 1919 in respect of GSW of left arm and chest.
His appointment in the AIF as a Captain was terminated in the 3rd Military District on 5th December 1919. He signed for his 1914-15 Star on 21st July 1920, his MiD certificates on 14th June and 30th June 1921 and his British War and Victory medals on 3rd July 1922.
An examination in August 1920 stated Peter was in good health, but that there had been no improvement to his wounds. During that time, Peter was still working as a carpenter, but he had had only 6 weeks employment in 6 months and had been a traveller for 3 months. He was recommended for admission to No. 11 Australian general Hospital. Upon admittance and examination, he had inflamed scars and they were becoming indurate under the left arm. Abscesses were operated on and pus and some scar tissue removed. The arm healed fine, but the nerve in his arm was still troublesome. He also had dental treatment while there. His pension was increased to 100% while in hospital. When discharged, his pension went back to 33%.
On 11th November 1920, Peter joined the Victoria Police as Constable 6495. In the Victoria Police Gazette of 17th February 1921, he was listed at the Depot, was married and worked on foot. The Gazette issues of 20th April 1922 and 1st February 1923 show him at Easternwick P.C.B. with other details being the same. Entries in the Gazette give some idea of what he was doing. On 1st March 1922, he arrested Henry Joseph Evans in Malvern East, who was involved with larceny, with the property being traced to his possession and recovered. Another report on 22nd July 1922 at Easternwick shows that Rupert George Wilson was arrested by Peter and another Constable for larceny and housebreaking offences, where most of the property was recovered. They also arrested him again on 28th September 1922, again for housebreaking, where a portion of the property was recovered in his possession. The 13th December 1923 edition of the Victoria Police Gazette has a list of discharges, with Constable 6495 Peter Ingles Stewart being discharged on 1st November 1923 at Bourke District. Apparently he was involved in the Police strike in Melbourne of 1923 and was discharged as a result of this.
Peter continued his militia service after the war, commanding the 22nd Battalion from 31st March 1921 to 31st December 1922 with the rank of Major. The 1922 and 1924 Electoral Rolls show Ingles Peter and Lillian May Stewart living at 16 Moore Street Brighton, with Peter being a carpenter and Lillian doing home duties. Peter did not obviously change his occupation for those rolls.
A year later, another examination discussed how his general health was good and there had been improvement. His incapacity was reduced to a quarter with his pension dropping to the same mark from September 1921. An examination in September 1921 showed he had slightly put on weight; his arm had a slight weakness and gave pain in changes of weather. There was slight improvement and as he lost no time in employment as a Constable, his pension was dropped to 20%. He missed the next review and his pension was suspended. In February 1924, he attended a review which showed a slight weight gain and that he was in “good physique and condition”. He was rated as partially incapacitated and his pension was reduced to 16.6%. He was also unemployed. His next review in September 1924 showed he had no further improvement and he ached at change of weather or after heavy work. His pension was still the same. Peter missed the next review and his pension was suspended in November and cancelled in December. Peter wrote a letter to them in January 1925, saying he had been working in the country and had returned after the appointment and was asking for another. After being assessed on 13th January 1926, with no changes, his pension was restored and continued as before. His employment was listed as driving a motor truck.
A report in the Victoria Police Gazette of 14th August 1924 lists an incident from 5th August 1924 in which Peter, a clerk of “”Inglewood”, Moore-street, Brighton, reports stolen from the Golden Fleece Hotel, corner of Russell and Bourke streets, Melbourne, a gent’s blue-black cloth overcoat, with a belt attached, in the pocket of which were 9 letters, containing cheques…”. The cheques amounted to over 16 pounds and the total value stolen was over 21 pounds.
The 1924 AMF Army List shows Peter listed under 3rd Military District 22nd Battalion (part of 3rd Division, 4th Infantry Brigade) as a Major at Base Headquarters at Richmond where he was 2IC. He was part of the permanent Militia. A list shows he was first commissioned in the 56th Infantry as a 2nd Lieutenant on 1st September 1914 and was promoted to Lieutenant on 1 July 1915. After the war he is listed as a Lieutenant in 2/22nd Infantry on 1st October 1918, and a Captain on 16th December 1919. On 31st March 1921, he was a Captain in 22nd Battalion, and honorary Major on 31st March 1921 and a Major on 1st June 1922 in the 22nd Battalion. His Staff Service was recorded as Adjutant 22nd Battalion AIF from 27th June 1916 to 16th August 1918 and Commanding Officer 22nd Battalion as Staff Captain from 31st March 1921 to 31st December 1922.
On 10th March 1926, he was examined and had brachial and cervical neuritis and swelling in the plantar nerve on the sole of a foot. He also had boils on buttocks and legs which started to appear 3 months before and he felt unwell. Peter was given a prescription of Potassium Citrate Draught in April 1926, which he took for 3 weeks. After being treated in hospital for his boils, where he was given injections, he improved and was discharged on 18th May.
Margaret Stewart, his mother, passed away on 28th July 1926 “at the residence of her daughter (Mrs. Thompson), 55 Dundas Place, Albert Park” in Melbourne, as recorded in The Argus of Thursday 29th July. She was the “loving wife of Peter Stewart (late of Buninyong). At rest.”
His next examination on 17th May 1928 showed no improvement and he had put on a bit of weight. His incapacity was the same and he had lost a month of work due to ill-health. His pension was to continue at 16.6% indefinitely. In mid-1928 he notified Pensions that his address was 29 The Avenue Balaclava. Another medical form has the same address, but at East St. Kilda.
He was awarded a Colonial Auxiliary Forces Long Service Medal on 28th April 1928 (as recorded in Commonwealth Gazette No. 40 and it shows he was a Major in the 22nd Battalion (militia) in the 3rd Military District) and Colonial Auxiliary Forces Decoration on 23rd August 1928 (as recorded in Commonwealth Gazette No. 88 with rank of Major).
Sir John Monash became the head of the State Electricity Commission of Victoria (SECV) from October 1920. He apparently knew Peter and arranged a job for him. His records indicate he joined on 2nd April 1929 as a diver at Gippsland. His address was 99 Kooyong Road Caulfield and his next of kin was Lillian. Another registration form gave his address as 39 Park Street Parkville and he commenced work at Yarragon as a lorry driver.
“On Sunday last, at about 1.30 p.m., three State Electricity employers were driving a motor truck towards Warragul, and were rounding a curve near Charlesworth’s garage, Yarragon, the truck could not take the corner at the pace travelling and overturned. Stewart sustained a broken arm, while other occupants, Frank Ross and Thomas Hope, escaped with a severe shaking.” This article was recorded under Accidents in the Morwell Advertiser of Friday 28th June 1929. His record indicated he broke his arm at 2pm on 16th June 1929 and he was on leave from the 17th to 3rd February 1930. Another record he was driving the motor lorry which skidded and overturned and he broke his right arm. He was paid a series of cheques from 30th June 1929 until 31st January 1930, which was his full and final settlement. In 1931 he had a few hours leave on different days.
In 1932, Lillian May Stewart petitioned for divorce from Ingles Peter Stewart and was listed as suit number 248 in the Victorian Public Records Office.
On 13th October 1932, The Gippsland Times newspaper had the following article under ELECTROCUTED. Linesman Killed at Warragal, “At 1.15 a.m. on Sunday last, an employee of the State Electricity Commission (Mr Peter Ingles Patrick Stewart of Trafalgar) was electrocuted when a ladder which he was placing in position against an electric light pole near the Commercial Hotel in Queens street, Warragul, came in contact with a line carrying 22,000 volts. It was raining heavily at the time and it is thought that portion of the ladder acted as a conductor for the electric current. Stewart was wearing rubber boots, but as he had not mounted the ladder he had neglected to take the precaution of putting on his rubber gloves. He died in 15 minutes, although Dr. Con. Ley tried without avail resuscitation methods for over two hours.” “The Australasian newspaper of Saturday 15th October 1932 had under the Personal column “While he was engaged in emergency work repairing an electrical fault on wires near the Commercial Hotel at a quarter past 1 o’clock on Sunday morning, Mr Peter Ingles Patrick Stewart, aged 40 years, an employee of the State Electricity Commission, was killed by electricity. Stewart was on the ground, and had placed a ladder against a pole. Rain had been falling, and the ladder was wet. It is believed that Stewart received the charge from a line carrying 22,000 volts through the ladder. An inquiry which was opened by the deputy coroner (Mr. J. Cromie J.P.) was adjourned to a date to be fixed. Mr. Stewart, who was unmarried, was a resident of Trafalgar, where his boyhood was spent. He had a fine war record, enlisting as a private and returning to Australia aged 26 years with the rank of major and several decorations, including the Military Cross. He was greatly respected throughout the district.” It also said he spent his early days in Trafalgar, before going to Melbourne, and had moved back there about four years earlier.
The inquest returned an open finding. Evidence given by the other person who was with Peter, Joseph Walter Leslie Baker (also a linesman), who said they were raising an extension ladder which touched a tubular conductor. Peter said to him “It’s got me, Hal!” The ladder had been extended more than necessary and that was why it touched the conductor. The wet conditions also contributed to the intensity of the shock, which would be sufficient to cause death. Mr Cromie “said that he did not consider that the necessary care and control had been observed” by either of them. A doctor tried to revive him for one and a half hours. Another newspaper article stated he “was recognised as an able staff officer, and had been termed the ideal soldier by men in high command. In civilian life, he always stood by his comrades. With gentlemanly and broad outlook, he fitted easily into any circle. Countless friends in many parts of the State mourn their loss.” An inquest was held at Warragul on 17th October 1932. His sister, Violet Thompson identified his body at Gippsland Mortuary and said when she saw him a few months before, he was in good health. Walter Baker of Seven Mile Road Trafalgar, was with Peter “in Queen Street at switch pole No. 5. No one else was present when I arrived there – I said I would operate the switch and give the signal.” It is a warning to let people know the power is being cut. “When I got out the deceased said to McDonald “right oh Tango we’ll get the ladder”. McDonald and Stewart brought the ladder against the pole in a closed condition. McDonald left to get the bus. I assisted the deceased to extend the ladder, I was pulling on the left hand rope and deceased pulling on the right hand rope. The ladder was extended up the pole above the lower extension arm. Deceased was endeavouring to trip the ladder. I was holding the left rope. There was a flash, I was thrown away from the ladder. When I recovered I saw deceased still standing at the foot of the ladder and he said “it’s got me Wall” and fell over. I went to his assistance and called for help. Some chaps came in a car and I instructed them to go for a Doctor.” The Doctor came and examined him and found no signs of live due to cardiac and respiratory failure due to electric shock. The electricity inspector examined the ladder and showed the right side had struck the conductor and travelled through it and through Peter. Being wet pronounced the effect.
The Argus of Tuesday 11th October 1932 had the following death notices “STEWART. – On the 9th October (result of accident with electric wire), at Warragul, Peter Ingles Patrick, loving son of Peter and the late Margaret Stewart, fond brother of Doll (Mrs. Thompson), in his 41st year, late 22nd Batt., A.I.F. – Rest in peace.” and “On the 9th October (result of accident), at Warragul, Peter Ingles Patrick, dearly beloved fiancé of Tessie Freyne. – May his soul be at peace.” A funeral notice in the same paper read “STEWART. – The Friends and Relatives of the late P. I. PATRICK STEWART are hereby informed that his remains will be interred in the New Melbourne Cemetery, Fawkner. The funeral is appointed to leave the residence of his sister (Mrs. Thomson), No. 10 Wilson avenue, South Brunswick, THIS DAY (Tuesday), at 3 p.m.”
At the time of his death, Peter was getting a pension of 14 shillings a fortnight and Lillian was getting 6 shillings. Workers Compensation had him listed as a Patrol Driver, aged 40 years, the place of the accident was Queen Street Warragul at 1 am on 9th October 1932, and it was fatal due to electric shock of 22000 volts. They also listed the cause of the accident and the amount of compensation paid was 75 pounds, which was for funeral expenses. An open verdict was recorded at the Coronial Inquiry held at Warragul on Friday 21st October 1932. Peter was buried in the Roman Catholic section of Fawkner Cemetery on 11th October 1932, in Section M 2884.
Lillian applied for his death to be accepted as war related, but the original application on 9th October 1932 was rejected by the State Board on 16th November 1932. It was determined his death was not due to war service and as such claims and appeals done on 17th February 1936 and 9th September 1936 were not covered. Lillian applied for a war pension both times, but it was found that his death due to electric shock was not due to war service. She was applying as a widow and her address was c/o Mrs G Ennor, 34 Mount Korong Rd, Bendigo. In her appeal she stated “That after my husband was discharged from the Army he was unable to follow his former occupation as carpenter through injuries received while on Active Service, therefore compelling him to seek other employment which ultimately resulted in his death.” A doctor reviewing the case wrote “Though deceased had excellent Field Service, it is obvious from the inquest notes, that such service was not a factor in the cause of death.” Another doctor concurred. A third doctor wrote in February 1936 “Death from Electric Shock, was on the evidence purely accidental and not attributable to W.S.” A reply was sent to her on 25th February 1936, which said “With reference to your appeal, I have to advise that the case of your late husband was referred to the Repatriation Commission, but was unable to accept his death as due to War Service.” She had 12 months to lodge another appeal.
Peter Ingles Stewart, his father, passed away on 18th June 1933 at 10 Wilson Avenue South Brunswick in Melbourne, at his daughter’s house. He was 85 years old. The Argus of Monday 19th June 1933 had death notices from his family and also a notice from “Peter Ingles Patrick (deceased), and loving friend of Tessie Freyne.” His remains were interred in the New Melbourne General Cemetery.
One of Lillian’s brothers, Richard Alfred Harvey, served with the AIF in WW1. Richard had previous military experience with school cadets and 56th Infantry (in which he rose to the rank of Colour Sergeant). Before the war, he worked as an iron dresser. He joined on 27th April 1915 as Private 2598 in the 5th Battalion. He was transferred to the 57th Battalion and promoted to Corporal in early 1916. Richard was killed in action in France on 12th December 1916. The battalion war diary for the day reads “During the day the Battalion was employed on Engineer work in the Brigade Sector. The enemy observed some of the parties and shelled them. Casualties 2 O.R. killed 1 O.R. wounded. There were several light falls of snow during the day.” He was buried, with the location recorded, but the grave was destroyed in subsequent fighting, so he has no known grave. He is remembered on the Australian National Memorial at Villers-Bretonneux. Richard was married and her name was also Lillian May. She remarried.
One of Peter’s older brothers also served in WW1. William John Stewart joined the 4th Light Horse Regiment, A Squadron, as Private 181 on 18th August 1914 at Broadmeadows. He was a 32 year old railway employee on enlistment and had previous served for 7 years with the 10th Light Horse. His address was Carrum House at Carrum, with his next of kin being his father at the same address. He progressed through the ranks and in January 1916 was promoted to Sergeant. In July 1916, he was transferred to 2nd Anzac L.H.R. and posted to D Squadron. His regiment was given a new designation of 22nd Army Corps Light Horse Regiment in December 1917. He was wounded in action in France on 18th April 1918. It appears he was gassed. William was awarded the Military Medal which was recorded in his service records on 13th August 1918 and the London Gazette on 6th August 1918 on page 9256, position 35. He returned to Australia on 24th September 1918. In the early 1920’s, William was sent the standard WW1 trio of medals to go with his MM.
In January 1936, Lillian wrote to seek an increase in her War Pension. “I am the widow of the late Capt. Ingles Peter Stewart M.C. late of 22nd Battalion, who met his death accidently three years last October. I was obliges to procure a position, but after some weeks I had to give it up as I developed Arthritic Rheumatism, and have been treated at Melbourne and Bendigo Public Hospitals for over two years, and am present being treated at the Bendigo Base Hospital, but they seemingly can’t do more that relieve it. My left knee and arm are mostly affected, being enlarged and swollen. I cannot straighten either, consequently I am a little lame, and in much pain, and unable to earn a living. I have been living with my friends and relations since my disability.”
Lillian remarried in 1937 to Cornelius Salis in Marong Victoria. Cornelius had been born in 1887 in Victoria and had enlisted in WW1 as Private 668 in B Company 38th Battalion, but was discharged as medically unfit due to a hernia 4 months later. He was a farmer, and passed away on 17th May 1944 at Marong. Lillian moved to Bendigo, where she lived until she died on 11th April 1986.
Honour Roll at Carrum RSL (Victoria) featuring W & I Stewart. The Honour Board was destroyed in a fire after the Carrum RSL folded.
Through his life he used variations on his name, but this story has been written using his birth names, as recorded. Where other variations have been used in records, they have been written as such. Apparently he disliked his initials, hence the changes in his name.
His medals are Military Cross and Bar, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal with MiD oak leaf, Colonial Auxiliary Forces Long Service Medal and Colonial Auxiliary Forces Decoration.
ANZAC Biographies
On our website you will find the biographical details of ANZAC (as well as British) servicemen & women
whose medals or other memorabilia form part of the collection belonging to the
Maryborough Military & Colonial Museum,
Maryborough, Queensland, Australia.