Lieutenant-Colonel Dave Stewart
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada

I was concerned when I got into battle that I would be able to stand it. I was; it didn’t bother me too much, and I was able to stand it very well. There was a rule that in action, steel helmets had to be worn. I adhered to it, except for myself where I figured that the psychological effect of my going around with the shells flying and my wearing a soft hat, would be great for morale, and it was.

(Quoted in Robert L. Fraser, Black Yesterdays)

Born on 21 August 1909 in Georgetown, Prince Edward Island, John David Stewart was a businessman and member of the Prince Edward Island Highlanders since 1928. On mobilization in 1939, he transferred to the North Nova Scotia Highlanders, went overseas as major and company commander in July 1941. and became second-in-command a year later. On September 1943 he was appointed commanding officer of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada, succeeding Major A.J. Hay who had taken the battalion overseas two months earlier.

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