The Soldier's Details
- Surname:
- Stewart
- First Name:
- Kenneth
- Rank:
- Cpl
- Regimental #:
- WX6574
- Company:
- D Coy 2/3rd MGB
- Enlisted:
- 16.07.1940
- DOB:
- 23.06.1915
- Place of Birth:
- Yunderup WA
- Father's Name:
- Stewart James Alexander
- Religion:
- C of E
- Pre-war Occupation:
- Shop Assistant
- Java:
- Disembarked Tanjong Priok 42
- Cause of Death:
- Presumed dead, executed.
- Place of Death:
- Java
- Date of Death:
- 30.04.1942
General Description
Review WX6574 Kenneth Stewart‘s military records held at NAA.
Stewart disembarked at Java. Please read about the 2/3rd’s arrival
Ken Stewart was reported missing during Japanese invasion of Java, he was officially pronounced dead in April 1946.
Corporal Kenneth Stewart was awarded the Commendation for Gallantry for actions following capture by the Imperial Japanese Army in March 1942 until his execution as a result of an escape attempt in about April 1942. Corporal Stewart and five other 2/3rd men escaped, making for the coast of Java by hiding among Royal Air Force Prisoner of War. The group continued their escape from Djokjakarta but were recaptured by Japanese forces, interrogated and taken away to Taskimalaja. Corporal Stewart and the five others are reported to have been executed near Taskimalaja about April 1942.
Tribunal Finding
31. The Tribunal finds, based on the available evidence, that Sergeant Manning, Sergeant Whitton, Corporal Stewart, Corporal Thompson, Private Bessell and Private Jones escaped from the Japanese, probably at Leles, sometime after 11 March 1942. It also finds that these men were executed as a result of this escape attempt.
Page 92
Tribunal Recommendation
32. The Tribunal recommends that the Commendation for Gallantry be posthumously awarded to Sergeant Howard Thomas Manning, Sergeant Henry Whitton, Corporal Kenneth Stewart, Corporal Henry Francis Thompson, Private Phillip Mowbray Frank Bessell and Private Jack Victor Jones.
These Gallantry Awards were given to family members in 2018.
