Joseph Stewart

Joseph Stewart (Service No 765) was born in Tasmania around 1891.  The family appeared to have moved around while Joseph was young and lived in Helensburgh, N.S.W. for a time.

At enlistment, Joseph was single, 24 years old and was studying mine surveying while working as a miner; he had served with the Cadets. 

He embarked from Sydney on board HMAT A40 Ceramic with 18th Battalion, B Company on 25th June 1915.  After a short stay in Egypt, Joseph landed at Gallipoli on 16th August 1915.  He was wounded in action on 22nd August and evacuated to hospital for treatment of a bomb wound to his hip and leg, not returning to his unit in Egypt until 10th January 1916. 

Joseph's battalion arrived in France on 23rd March 1916 and took part in the battle for Pozieres.  Joseph was wounded a second time on 27th July 1916 and evacuated to hospital for treatment of a gun shot wound to his back.

He was promoted to Lance Corporal on 28th November 1916, then to Corporal on 24th January 1917, and finally, to Sergeant on 7th September 1917.

On 8th October 1917 Joseph was in the front trenches when a shell exploded close to him and the concussion killed him instantly.

There is no known grave for Joseph; his service and sacrifice is commemorated on the Menin Gate at Ypres, Belgium and on the Helensburgh Presbyterian Church Roll of Honour.