Dill, Stewart

Stewart Dill was born on December 19, 1885 in Stranraer, Scotland. Not much is known about his early life or other family members. As a young man, Stewart immigrated to Canada, leaving his mother, Jane in the old country and making his home in Lethbridge, Alberta. At time of enlistment, he was single and working as a market gardener. During his overseas service, he spent sometime back in Scotland where he married his wife, Margaret in January 1917. On December 23, 1914, Stewart Dill enlisted with the 20th Battery Canadian Field Artillery. Gunner Dill arrived in England on August 18, 1915, and remained in England until embarking for France on January 15, 1916. He would serve with the 20th Battery for the next 21 months, seeing action at the Somme, Arras, Vimy Ridge and Passchendaele, rising to the rank of Corporal. On October 28, 1917, while fighting on the muddy fields of Passchendaele, Corporal Dill received a severe shrapnel wound to his head. He passed away the next day at the 3rd Australian Casualty Clearing Station and was laid to rest at Nine Elms British Cemetery. Stewart Dill was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. His wife, Margaret received the Memorial Cross and death plaque in honour of her husband