Oliver Stewart
Oliver Stewart | |
|---|---|
| Nickname | Stewpot |
| Born | 26 November 1896 |
| Died | 1976 (aged 79–80) |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Branch | Aviation |
| Rank | Major |
| Unit | Middlesex Regiment, No. 22 Squadron RFC, No. 54 Squadron RFC |
| Awards | Military Cross, Air Force Cross |
| Other work | Aviation journalist and author |
Major Oliver Stewart MC AFC (1896-1976) 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] His parents were Thomas Gibson Bowles and Rita Shell.[3]
Early life
Stewart was educated at Copthorne School, Bradfield College, and the Royal College of Music.[4]
First World War
Stewart was commissioned as a second lieutenant into the Middlesex Regiment in October 1914. He transferred to the Royal Flying Corps in 1915.[4] After a brief time 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.[5]
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.[6]
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.[7] His books included Aerobatics: A Simple Explanation of Aerial Evolutions, Of Flight and Flyers, and his autobiography, Words and Music of a Mechanical Man.[8]
Sources of information
- ^ "Oliver Stewart". www.theaerodrome.com. Retrieved 9 February 2010.
- ^ Above the Trenches: A Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the British Empire Air Forces 1915-1920. p. 353.
- ^ "Lieutenant Oliver Stewart". National Army Museum, London. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
- ^ a b "Stewart, Major Oliver (26 Nov. 1895–22 Dec. 1976), CompRAeS; writer and broadcaster", Who Was Who published online 1 December 2007, accessed 1 January 2026 (subscription required)
- ^ Above the Trenches: A Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the British Empire Air Forces 1915-1920. p. 353.
- ^ Above the Trenches: A Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the British Empire Air Forces 1915-1920. p. 353.
- ^ Above the Trenches: A Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the British Empire Air Forces 1915-1920. p. 353.
- ^ "Oliver Stewart". www.theaerodrome.com. 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.