Oliver Stewart
Oliver Stewart | |
|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | Stewpot |
| Born | 26 November 1896 London, England |
| Died | 1976 |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service | 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]
World War I service
[edit]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.[4]
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.[5]
Post war
[edit]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.[6] His books included Aerobatics: A Simple Explanation of Aerial Evolutions, Of Flight and Flyers, and his autobiography, Words and Music of a Mechanical Man.[7]
Sources of information
[edit]- ^ "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.
- ^ 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
[edit]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.
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
  | This biographical article related to the Royal Air Force is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
- 1896 births
- 1976 deaths
- Royal Flying Corps officers
- English autobiographers
- Middlesex Regiment officers
- British World War I flying aces
- Recipients of the Military Cross
- Recipients of the Air Force Cross (United Kingdom)
- Military personnel from London
- British Army personnel of World War I
- Royal Air Force personnel stubs