Oliver Stewart

Major Oliver Stewart MC AFC was a World War I flying ace credited with five aerial victories.[1] Post war, he had a long and distinguished career as a writer.[2]

Oliver Stewart
Nickname(s)Stewpot
Born26 November 1896
London, England
Died1976
Allegiance United Kingdom
Service/branchAviation
RankMajor
UnitMiddlesex Regiment, No. 22 Squadron RFC, No. 54 Squadron RFC
AwardsMilitary Cross, Air Force Cross
Other workAviation journalist and author

World War I service

Stewart was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Middlesex Regiment in October 1914. He transferred to the Royal Flying Corps in 1915. After a brief stint with 22 Squadron, he moved on in 1917 to 54 Squadron to fly a Sopwith Pup. He gained a flight commandership, a nickname (Stewpot), five victories, and a Military Cross while with the squadron. The victories came between 6 April and 25 September 1917; the MC came on 17 September.[3]

He then returned to England, was promoted to major in June 1918, and given command of the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment. He received an Air Force Cross for his efforts.[4]

Post war

He retired from service in 1921, to begin a new career as an aviation journalist. From 1939 through 1962, he was the editor of Aeronautics magazine.[5] His books included Aerobatics: A Simple Explanation of Aerial Evolutions, Of Flight and Flyers, and his autobiography, Words and Music of a Mechanical Man.[6]

Sources of information
  1. http://www.theaerodrome.com/aces/england/stewart2.php Retrieved 9 February 2010.
  2. Above the Trenches: A Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the British Empire Air Forces 1915-1920. p. 353.
  3. Above the Trenches: A Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the British Empire Air Forces 1915-1920. p. 353.
  4. Above the Trenches: A Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the British Empire Air Forces 1915-1920. p. 353.
  5. Above the Trenches: A Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the British Empire Air Forces 1915-1920. p. 353.
  6. http://www.theaerodrome.com/aces/england/stewart2.php Retrieved 9 February 2010.

References

Above the Trenches: a Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the British Empire Air Forces 1915-1920. Christopher F. Shores, Norman L. R. Franks, Russell Guest. Grub Street, 1990. ISBN 0-948817-19-4, ISBN 978-0-948817-19-9.


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