Kenneth Stewart studied law and was admitted to the Bar in June, 1939. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1941 and underwent basic flying training at Wigram in Christchurch. In 1942 he was transferred to the UK for further training and then a course which led to postings as an instructor. Eventually, in May 1944, he was posted to No. 54 Operational Training Unit to begin his career as a night-fighter pilot.
After OTU, he was posted to 488 Squadron, flying De Havilland Mosquitos. He proved an exceptional night-fighter pilot, his exploits including what can only be called a nocturnal dogfight between Stewart and a German pilot, both flying radar-equipped planes. This combat and much more of his career, including photos, can be found in an excellent story by Andrew Thomas, here.
AWARDS TO AIRMEN
D.F.C. FOR DUNEDIN OFFICER
(P.A.) WELLINGTON, June 28. The Distinguished Flying Cross has been awarded to the following four New Zealand airmen: —
Flight Lieut. N. J. Ingram D.F.M.; father, Mr N. A. Ingram, Wellington.
Flight Lieut. Kenneth William Stewart; father. Mr W. Stewart, Dunedin.
Flying Officer H. E. Brumby; mother, Mrs R. G. Brumby, Auckland.
Flying Officer M. A. Barry; mother, Mrs R. G. Barry, Wellington.
Flight Lieutenant Stewart, who is a son of Mr and Mrs W. Stewart, of Highgate, Roslyn, was educated at the Kaikorai School and the Otago Boys’ High School. A graduate of the University of Otago with the degree of LLB, he was prior to his enlistment a member of the staff of Messrs Brent and Anderson, solicitors. He gained his commission before leaving the Dominion in November, 1941, and was for a time engaged in instructional duties in the United Kingdom. He was then posted to a night fighter squadron and he also took part in operational flights over Germany. He was with a squadron operating from a base in Holland at the time hostilities ceased. -Otago Daily Times, 29/6/1945.
GALLANTRY IN AIR
NEW ZEALAND AIRMEN
CITATIONS TO-DECORATIONS
Echoes of the air war in Europe are contained in citations to Distinguished Flying Crosses won recently by New Zealand pilots and navigators. The citations have now been received by the Air Department from the Air Ministry, London.
A long record of operational flying stretching from sorties flown from France in 1939 until he returned to New Zealand recently is reviewed in the citation to the award to Flight Lieutenant Norman J. Ingram, D.F.M., son of Mr. N. A. Ingram, 12 Eden Street, Island Bay, Wellington. In May, 1941, Flight Lieutenant Ingram was shot down while attacking shipping at St. Nazaire, but evaded capture and returned to England. "He has at all times displayed great keenness and a fine fighting spirit," concludes the citation. "Both in the air and on the ground he has set a fine example by his devotion to duty."
Flight Lieutenant Kenneth William Stewart, son of Mr. W. Stewart, 354 Highgate Street, Roslyn, Dunedin, is credited with having destroyed at least four enemy aircraft in air combat within a period of three months. "In December, 1944, he destroyed two Junkers 88's within 45 minutes after an exceedingly arduous chase," his citation states. "In February, 1945, he destroyed another Junkers 88 and a month later he destroyed a Messerschmitt 110 and probably destroyed a Heinkel 111." Flight Lieutenant Stewart is described as having shown superb skill and enterprise in his work. -Evening Post, 2/8/1945.
DEATHS
STEWART, Kenneth William — On August 3, 1960, at his residence 48 Earls road, Dunedin, dearly loved husband of Vi Stewart; aged 44 years. Much loved. Late Flight Lieutenant, R.N.Z.A.F. D.F.C. (Suddenly.) The Funeral will leave Knox Church. Tomorrow (Saturday), August 6, 1960, at the conclusion of a Service, commencing at 11 a.m.. for the Andersons Bay Crematorium. Hope and Sons. Ltd. -Press, 5/8/1960.
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