YMCA New Testament
2023.90
Cover showing the YMCA logo.
Name/Title
YMCA New TestamentEntry/Object ID
2023.90Description
A well worn Bible distributed by the YMCA, owned by 3900 Private George William STEWART, 46th Battalion, D. Company. The YMCA logo of an inverted red triangle and blue band are extremely worn, and the owner information on the inside back cover has been re-written due to what appears to be fading of the original inscription. The cover is stained and well worn due to rubbing of the surface. George William Stewart was born in Geelong, Victoria on April 29 1887. A fireman by trade, he enlisted into the AIF on July 15, 1915 and was posted to the 14th Battalion, 12th Reinforcements. He embarked for England on November 23 1915 aboard Transport A40 “Ceramic”. After undertaking basic training from July 26 1915 until October 28 1915, Private Stewart embarked for England on board HMAT A40 "Ceramic" from Melbourne, Victoria on November 23 1915. Like those who enlisted before him, George undertook further training in England, before sailing for Egypt to be trained in trench warfare. On March 6 1916, Private Stewart was taken on strength to the 46th Battalion, and he would remain with this unit for the duration of his service. Three months later, George proceeded to join the B.E.F. (British Expeditionary Forces) and embarked on HMT "Kinfauns Castle" at Alexandria bound for Marseilles. Over the next twelve months, Private Stewart served in the field, with the ongoing trench warfare in France taking its toll. Admitted to hospital suffering from conjunctivitis on July 18, 1916, he remained in hospital for almost 4 weeks before rejoining his unit. Granted leave in 1917, he would return to England for his furlough before falling ill to rheumatism during this period. Admitted to hospital on June 28 1917, he was discharged to Hurdcott Camp some 6 weeks later. Diagnosed as incapacitated, he returned to Australia aboard the Hospital Transport “Runic”, which left England on December 20 1917. George was reported as “Non Effective” due to an inability to undergo exertion, D.A.H. (dilated action of the heart) and discharged on March 15 1918. Dying in Footscray on April 9 1931 at the age of 43, he is remembered at The Victorian Garden of Remembrance in Springvale, Victoria, Australia on Wall 2A, Row A, and was survived by his widow, Clare Franklin Stewart. 3900 Private George William Stewart was awarded the 1914-15 Star, Victory Medal 1914-1919 and the British War Medal 1914-1920, for his service in Egypt and France during WW1.Category
Book, Personal Effects, War Memorabilia
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