Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second World War Italy operations M.C. group of seven awarded to Major D. C. R. Stewart, 3rd Royal Battalion (Sikhs), 12th Frontier Force Regiment, who was decorated for his gallantry in the action at Campriano in July 1944

Military Cross, G.VI.R., the reverse officially dated ‘1945’; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals, M.I.D. oak leaf; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, S.E. Asia 1945-46 (Capt. D. C. R. Stewart, M.C., 12th F.F.R.), this last an official late issue of the 1950s, very fine and better (7) £1000-1200

M.C. London Gazette 8 March 1945. The original recommendation for an immediate award states:

‘On the Arezzo sector during the attack on Campriano on the night of 24-25 July 1944, ‘B’ Company was commanded by Captain Stewart and was ordered to advance and capture an intermediate position to enable ‘C’ Company to pass through. Soon after crossing the start line this company came under intense artillery, mortar and small arms fire. Casualties had been sustained but under Captain Stewart’s inspired leadership the advance was pressed home. Two enemy M.Gs were engaged and after stubborn resistance were silenced. At this time, despite the fact that the Company had suffered 20 casualties, Captain Stewart continued to advance with great determination until halted by further heavy casualties. During the night he personally supervised the consolidation of the positions and his calm confidence under heavy shelling inspired the remaining members of his company. At 0500 hours he again launched an attack under cover of artillery concentrations. This attack was successful and 17 Germans were captured, but by this time only 50 men were left in the Company. Captain Stewart consolidated on the position won and was ready for the expected counter-attack, which was successfully beaten off. For the next twelve hours the area was subjected to intense shelling and mortaring, and although a further 15 casualties were sustained, Captain Stewart prepared his plans for a further advance that night. However in view of the heavy casualties and the fact that it was impossible for this company to be reinforced, his company was withdrawn. Throughout this long and difficult action, Captain Stewart by his personal courage, energy and complete disregard of danger, inspired his company with the same spirit. His fierce determination to reach the objective at all costs contributed very largely to the success attained, and was a striking example to the entire Battalion.’

David Cameron Robertson Stewart was born in Simla, India, in February 1915, where he was educated at the Bishop Cotton School before attending Punjab University. A school teacher by profession, he also obtained a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant on the Indian Army Reserve of Officers in February 1937, in which capacity he was called up on the outbreak of hostilities and, in May 1940, posted to the 12th Frontier Force Regiment as a Lieutenant.

Embarked for the Middle East that August, he was mentioned in despatches for his services as a Brigade Intelligence Officer in 9th Indian Infantry Brigade (London Gazette 30 December 1941, refers), and advanced to the temporary rank of Captain. Next actively engaged as a Company C.O. in the 3rd Royal Battalion (Sikhs), 12th Frontier Force Regiment in Italy, which theatre of war he entered in March 1944, Stewart was awarded the M.C. for his inspiring leadership and courage in the above cited action at Campriano that July. Having then been attached to the Civil Affairs Police in Malaya from August 1945 until May 1946 (Medal & clasp), he was demobilised back in the U.K.

As verified by accompanying copied research, however, he returned to uniform with a short service commission in the King’s Liverpool Regiment in late 1947, transferred to the Royal Army Pay Corps in April 1951 and thence to the Territorials in April 1957, in which capacity he remained employed until retiring as a Major in March 1961; sold with copied service record.