Friends of the Somme - Mid Ulster Branch  
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638353   Aircraftman Frederick Stewart
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Dated added: 30/12/2015   Last updated: 16/12/2020
Personal Details
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force (British Air Force)
Died: 27/12/1940 (Died by accident)
Age: 22
Summary      
Frederick Stewart was the son of Robert and Rebecca Stewart of 6 Louisville, Cookstown. Aircraftman Frederick Stewart was killed at R.A.F. Newton in Nottinghamshire when a bomb fell off a plane accidentally.
Aircraftman Frederick Stewart
Further Information
Frederick Stewart was the son of Robert and Rebecca Stewart of 6 Louisville, Cookstown. He was born about 1918.
Known family: Robert Stewart, Rebecca Stewart, Frederick Stewart (born about 1918), Isaac Stewart, William Stewart.
1940
Aircraftman 1st Class Frederick Stewart was serving with 150 Squadron of the Royal Air Force when he died as a result of an accident on 27th July 1940 at RAF Newton in Nottinghamshire in England.
Fairey Battle aircraft
Whilst loading bombs to his Fairey Battle (Serial No L5528) at RAF Newton in Nottinghamshire, one of the bombs fell off and began to burn. Despite efforts from aircrew and ground crew to put out the flames, the bomber exploded, killing six men from 150 Squadron, with another man killed and one other injured from the RAF Newton station establishment.
There is a possibility he was not part of the crew of the aircraft, but died in the explosion. This is because the National Archives record on the accident does not include his name. Unfortunately the record has not being digitized as yet.
Amongst those who died was Flt Lt Walter Blom DFC. Blom had been awarded the DFC on 10 May 1940, the first day of the German Blitzkrieg. Another who died in the accident was experienced ground crewman Flt Sgt Bill Franklin, holder of the British Empire Medal.
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 3rd August 1940: Roll of Honour
STEWART – 27th July 1940, killed in action in England, Aircraftman (First-class) Frederick Stewart, Royal Air Force, of 6 Louisville, Cookstown.
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 3rd August 1940:
Mrs Robert Stewart of Louisville, Cookstown, received notification from the Air Ministry during the week that one of her sons, First-class Aircraftman Frederick Stewart, Royal Air Force, was killed in action in England on Tuesday last. Another son, Fusilier Isaac Stewart, R.I.F., who was with the British Expeditionary Force, is at present on leave. A third son, William, is serving with the Royal Air Force.
1942
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 25th July 1942:
STEWART – In ever loving memory of our darling Freddie, who was killed in action 27th July 1940.
‘Today we look at your picture,
A likeness so loving and true.
No wonder our hearts are aching.
And longing our loved one for you.’
From father, mother, brothers and sisters. 6 Louisville, Cookstown.
1943
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 24th July 1943:
STEWART – In fond and loving memory of Freddie, killed in action 27th July 1940.
‘Dear son you lie in an airman’s grave.
A grave we might never see
No morning dawns, no night returns
But we remember thee’
Always remembered by his father and mother, brothers and sisters, 6 Louisville, Cookstown.
1944
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 12th August 1944:
STEWART – In proud and loving memory of our darling Freddie, killed in action in July 1940. ‘No morning dawns or night returns, But we remember thee.’ Loving remembered by his dad, mum, brothers and sisters, 6 Louisville; also two brothers serving in the Forces.
1945
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated Saturday 28h July 1945:
STEWART – In loving memory of Leading Aircraftman (L.A.C.) Freddie Stewart, Royal Air Force, accidentally killed 27th July 1940.
‘At night when all is silent
And sleep forsakes our eyes
Our thoughts are on that lonely grave
Where our dear Freddie lies.’
6 Louisville, Cookstown
1948
From the Mid Ulster Mail, unknown date in July 1948:
“We think of him in silence and often speak his name;
There’s nothing left to answer, just a photo in a frame."
Memorials
Aircraftman Frederick Stewart, along with two other men who died in the same incident, was buried in East Bridgford (Saint Peter) Churchyard. Nottinghamshire, England. His inscription reads: GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS, THAT A MAN LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS.
Aircraftman Frederick Stewart gravestone
Aircraftman Frederick Stewart is commemorated locally on Cookstown War Memorial.
The CWGC record Aircraftman Frederick Stewart as the son of Robert and Rebecca Stewart of Cookstown, County Tyrone.
Read more
Relevant Cookstown Area Locations
No Location Region Location Notes Longtitude Latitude
1 Louisville, Cookstown Cookstown South Parents lived in Louisville, Cookstown 54.626943 -6.742641
References and Links
No Link Reference Map Doc
1 East Bridgford Local History Group Photo of Aircraftman Frederick Stewart's grave
2 FindAGrave.com Photo of Aircraftman Frederick Stewart's grave
3 National Archives UK Offical details of Fairey Battle L5528
4 RAF Commands Details of crew and accident
5 RAF Ground Crew Deaths WW2 Details of the accident at RAF Newton
6 War Graves Photographic Project Photo of Aircraftman Frederick Stewart's grave can be purchased here
7 Wikipedia - Fairey Battle Details of the Fairey Battle aircraft
Cookstown District's War Dead Acknowledgements 2010-2023