Subject

Good Samaritan

Text

He had compassion on him

Inscription

In loving memory of John McDougall Stewart DCM Killed in Melton France 23rd April 1918, aged 31 years and James P. Thomson, Veteran World War I, died 4th November 1940, aged 53 years. Both of the Army Medical Corps. Erected by Eric Thomson.

Description & History

St. John the Baptist Anglican Church was the second church to be built by theAnglicans in Bairnsdale, the foundation stone for this church being laid by the Rev. W.G. Hindley in December 1883. Miss AE Thomson ordered a window measuring approximately 87 x 24 inches from Brooks, Robinson & Co. in August 1949. The subject was based on the same cartoon that was used for the Rev. Watkins at the Presbyterian Church, Geelong and was a highly suitable subject for two men who served in the Medical Corps.

John McDougall Stewart was born at Norwich, England to Samuel Parr Stewart and Lucy May Stewart and was in the College Corps while at school in England. A 28 year-old engineer from Marlo when he enlisted on 21 November 1914, he served with his brother-in-law, James Thomson, in the Army Medical Corps. Stewart spent some time in hospital himself, after being wounded in the field and after contracting mumps. He gave exceptional service while in the 2nd Field Ambulance and was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal, gazetted 1 November 1917, 'for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty' especially when under heavy barrages and acting as a bearer when his men were casualties'. He worked for thirty-six hours without rest and by 'his splendid example, acted as a high incentive to his men'. Sergeant Stewart was killed in action on 23 April 1918 and was buried at Hazebrouck Communal Cemetery, France. In a sad aftermath, his father died of blood poisoning in September 1918, only one week before he was to have received his son's medal from the Governor-General at Government House, Melbourne.

References & Acknowledgements

AWM Roll of Honour; NAA: B2455 Stewart JM; Bairnsdale Advertiser and Tambo and Omeo Chronicle, 18 September 1918, p.2; Brooks, Robinson & Co. job books (1923-c1966)