In 1901, the Stewart family were living at Lorne Villa, Dunkeld Road, Perth: Father, Robert (Live Stock Auctioneer) (37); Mother, Annie (29); Daughter, Margory (6); Daughter, Annie McG. (4); Son, Robert (3); and Son, Charles (1). Also living at this address was Christina Scott (General Servant, Domestic) (20).

Extract from a GlescaPals tribute to ‘oor forces’, the official Glasgow social history website.

“Now, on 18th November 1916, heavily reinforced, mostly from the Highland Cyclist Battalion, the Glaswegians peered through swirling snow at the heights of Beaumont-Hamel.

“At 6.10 am the barrage lifted and each man, laden down with half a hundredweight of arms and equipment, including six bombs, 220 rounds of ammunition and a trenching spade, heaved himself out of the jump-off trench and into No Man’s Land."

“On the left flank were 2nd Manchester’s, 2nd KOYLI’s and 11th Borderers. After initial successes they were heavily counter-attacked and beaten back...An enemy strong point of six to eight machine guns pinned down ’A’ and ’B’ companies….’C’ and ’D’ companies penetrated Munich Trench… Three platoons of ’D’ company pushed on to their second objective Frankfurt Trench...The second trench was stormed and it’s 50 surviving defenders made prisoners and sent back under escort."

“Another group of Germans reached Munich Trench in time for the men guarding the prisoners to be shot down and the prisoners freed as the mopping-up party, attacked from three sides by overwhelming numbers, was rushed and destroyed."

"The attempted capture of the German first and second trenches and the subsequent command of Beaumont-Hamel spur had failed after heavy casualties (the 16th alone had lost 13 officers and 390 other ranks.)”

Perthshire Advertiser, 9th December 1916

“OUR OWN MEN - PRIVATE ROBERT STEWART KILLED"

“Private Robert Stewart, attached to the Highland Light Infantry, has been killed in action. 

"He was the eldest son of Mr Robert Stewart, live stock salesman, Perth, and prior to enlisting he was employed in the office of Macdonald, Fraser, & Co., Ltd."

"He enlisted voluntarily in October, 1915, and went to the front in July of this year."

"His parents have received a letter from one of the survivors of the machine gun team in which Private Stewart served, explaining their great regret at losing such a gallant soldier and comrade.”

"It further says:- ‘He died a hero’s death, with his face to the foe.’ He was 19 years of age, and a young man of great promise.” 

Robert Stewart is also commemorated on the Perth Middle United Free Church War Memorial.