Robert Stewardson (1898–1977)

Gunner

Royal Marines Artillery 214631 HMS Revenge

Photo courtesy Joy Baggaley

Robert Stewartson in WW1

http://www.freemanart.ca/HMS_REVENGE_Jutland_Crew.htm

Biography
Robert was the son of mole-catcher Robert and Maria Stewardson. He was born in 1898 at Matlock. In 1911 the family were living at The Orchard, Whatstandwell. He enlisted, at Tansley, aged seventeen in June 1915. He was recorded as being “underage” from 3 June 1916 until 6 June 1916. He enlisted for twelve years and was of “very good character” throughout his record.

From June 1915 until January 1916 he appears to have been shore-based. From February 1916 until January 1920 he was posted to HMS Revenge (he had chevrons awarded in June 1917). In July 1921 he had a Jutland Bounty paid to him of 5s 1d. He re- enrolled to complete twenty-seven years’ service in October 1938. In January 1944, during WW2, he was a dispatch rider.

Marine Medal Index
He was awarded the Victory and British War Medals.
Good Conduct Medal and chevrons awarded.

Naval Service Record
He enlisted 03/06/15 aged 17 years 0 months; born 07/05/1898 at Tansley; a mole catcher; C of E;
The next of kin was his mother Maria, of The Orchard, Whatstandwell (father Robert crossed out). His height was 5ft 9½in and he had blue eyes and dark brown hair. There were two moles on his right arm, a small scar centre of forehead, a scar on the right index finger and a mole on the right side of his neck.
Recorded as being underage from 03/06/15 to 06/05/16. He enlisted for 12 years. In May '38 Awarded RFR £100 Gratuity.
Very good character on record throughout. Dec 1930 RVR LS and Good Conduct Medal
03/06/15 to 26/10/15 RM Arty Supry
27/10/15 to 31/01/16 RM Arty
01/02/16 to 14/01/20 Revenge
19/06/17 Chevrons awarded
15/01/20 to 28/10/21 RM Arty then discharged having paid the regulated amount of £36 address The Orchard, Whatstandwell
26/07/21 Jutland Bounty of 5s 1d paid
Royal Navy Reserve Class B No 41756 Re enrolled to complete 27 years service on 21/10/38
II Bd No 18891
27/07/39 to 10/07/45 Portsmouth Divn
Address on discharge 222 Eaking Road, Mansfield
Dispatch rider 15/01/44

HMS Revenge

HMS Revenge

Robert Stewardson is also remembered on the Alderwasley Roll of Honour in the Church.

CENSUS INFORMATION

1901: Gold Hill, Tansley

Forename Surname Relationship Age Occupation Where born
Robert Stewardson Head 33 Mole catcher Witherslack
Maria Stewardson wife 27   Matlock
Adelaide M Stewardson daughter 5   Matlock
Robert Stewardson son 2   Matlock
Doris Stewardson daughter 1   Matlock

RG13 piece 3231 folio 15 page 22

1911: The Orchard, Whatstandwell

Forename Surname Relationship Age Occupation Where born
Robert Stewardson Head 42 Mole catcher Witherslack
Maria Stewardson wife 37   Matlock
Adelaide May Stewardson daughter 15 Dressmaker Matlock
Robert Stewardson son 12   Matlock
Doris Stewardson daughter 11   Matlock
Ada Bluebell Stewardson daughter 9   Tansley
George Matthew Stewardson son 6   Tansley
Francis Harry Stewardson son 3   Tansley

RG14PN20985 RG78PN1251 RD436 SD4 ED14 SN43

1918 Crich voters
Robert Stewardson Jnr, Crich Carr; absent on military service.