Citation for Military Cross awarded to Lieutenant Oliver Stewart, 20 July 1917

Lieutenant Oliver Stewart was awarded the Military Cross in July 1917. This citation describes the five aerial victories he was credited with, qualifying him as a flying ace.

Lieutenant Stewart transferred to the Royal Flying Corps from 2/9th Battalion Middlesex Regiment. In 1917, he joined No. 54 Squadron, flying Sopwith Pups on offensive and escort patrols over the Western Front. He was praised for his ‘great fearlessness and skill’ when fighting enemy aircraft at close range. Stewart survived the period known as ‘Bloody April’ during the Arras offensive, in which the British lost over 200 aircraft.