Virtual
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Australia

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Stewart Lionel Cosgrove was born on the 29th of April 1898, in the suburb of Magill, son of William Donald “Daniel” Cosgrove and Ellen Devine Cosgrove. He has 6 brothers and 2 sisters, the most notable being, William Donald Cosgrove, who was 23 years Stewart’s elder. At the time of his enlistment on the 16th of August 1915, Stewart was 18 years old, single and worked as a motor mechanic. This act inspired William to also join the enlistment. Stewart was 5 feet 3 inches, a devoted Christian, weighed 134 pounds, and had blue eyes and dark brown hair. He served for 4 years until the end of 1918.

Private Cosgrove’s journey in the military commenced with his admission to the 11th Light Horse Regiment, 6th Reinforcement. He embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on October 27, 1915, aboard the SS Hawkes Bay sailing to Egypt.

In March 1916, Private Stewart was taken on strength to the 53rd Infantry Battalion, originally intended to be a temporary assignment but later becoming permanent. With this new role, Stewart was stationed at Ferry’s post on March 20, 1916, tasked with carrying rounds of ammunition. Notably, the soldiers took a longer route through the countryside, carrying burdens of around 60-70 pounds of water, food, and ammunition.

June 16, 1916, marked Stewart's arrival at the ferry port in Egypt, where he subsequently marched to Moascar Military Camp. On June 18, he embarked to join the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) in Alexandria, Egypt. The journey continued as they arrived in France on June 27, disembarking at Marseilles on the 28th. From Marseilles, they proceeded to Thions and ultimately took up a position next to Fleurbaix.

In July, Stewart Cosgrove entered the front line on the 10th, and on the 19th, he participated in his first major battle, the Battle of Fromelles (Fleurbaix), which concluded in just two days but resulted in significant casualties for the 53rd Battalion. Official documents confirmed that Cosgrove emerged from this battle unharmed. The battalion dug trenches and remained in them until August 20, holding the front line for approximately two months while conducting training in nearby woods.

On December 13, 1916, Stewart Cosgrove was admitted to the hospital due to an unknown illness. This occurred while the battalion was in the process of moving from Adelaide Camp, Montauban, to Deville Wood Camp. His return to active duty took place on December 23. The battalion continued to move in and out of trenches near the Sommes Valley throughout this period.

During the months of January and February in 1917, Stewart Cosgrove played a reinforcing role, frequently moving along the front line to support weaker points. March saw him marching closer to the Hindenburg line as the Germans retreated, with daily casualties being a common occurrence.

May 11, 1917, Cosgrove was wounded in action during the 2nd battle of Bullecourt, initially administered to the GEM hospital. However, he was later transferred to the Norfolk War Hospital on June 6. His recovery extended to the end of the month, during which letters were sent to his parents to alleviate their concerns.

Cosgrove was reserved in Lynde for practically the whole of August and September.

Cosgrove attended the battle of Polywood which lasted for 8 days from the 26th of September to the 3rd of October. He attended the fight along with 21 officers and 576 other ranks playing a more reserved and supportive role. Before the fight even had began, shells were rained upon the battalion while moving up towards the assembly point, resulting in numerous casulties. Cosgrove remained unharmed.

Stewart's service continued into 1918 when he proceeded overseas to France on March 20. On March 21, he marched in from England, re-joining his unit by March 26.

During the early hours of April 17, the enemy bombarded Villers-Bretonneux with artillery, including toxic gas shells. Unfortunately, Stewart Cosgrove was injured shortly after just returning from the hospital, leading to his embarkation to England on April 20, where he was admitted to Her Royal Highness Princess Christian Hospital.

Despite his injuries, Stewart was back at the front line in Villers Bretonneux, defending Corbie.

July 5, 1918, Stewart Cosgrove was attached for duty at Yidworth from the 53rd Battalion.

In an unexpected attack carried out at 1:25 am on July 29, 1918, Cosgrove suffered gunshot wounds to the back and thigh. During this enemy artillery barrage, 18 of his comrades were wounded, and 9 were killed.

Starting on August 31, 1918, Stewart participated in the Battle of Mont Saint Quentin, a critical engagement. The Allies had temporarily lost control of Mont Saint-Quentin due to a severe artillery barrage. The 53rd Battalion marched forward, ultimately emerging victorious in Florine and Prague trenches, despite initial occupation by enemy forces. The battle concluded on September 3.

The last major battle of Cosgrove's wartime service occurred on September 29, 1918, at the Saint Quentin Canal. Initially considered a perilous mission, with the aid of American troops, it offered hope. An attack was led on the Hindenburg Line, eventually withdrawing on October 2 as they were relieved by the 6th Inniskilling, 151st Brigade. Ultimately, the Allies successfully breached the Hindenburg Line on October 8, forcing the Germans to retreat and cutting off their resources. Following the Battle of Saint Quentin Canal, Cosgrove had no further significant combat experiences. His service primarily encompassed training, sports contests, billeting, and leisure activities.

On March 5, 1919, Cosgrove returned to Australia, arriving back home just 2 months before his 21st birthday. He received the following medals, British War, Star and Victory. Sometime later in his life, Stewart married Florence May Cosgrove. He lived a life away from major drama on the news outlets. He passed away at the age of 45 on May 21st, 1943.