Dec 7, 1893

Born in Dursley, Gloucester, England to Peter and Eliza Rudge

Jun 12, 1913

Embarked the SS Ascania in Southampton

Jun 23, 1913

Disembarked in Montreal, Quebec and stated that Montreal was his final destination

According to newspaper accounts, he was employed in Montreal for about 1 year before moving to Renfrew, Ontario

Oct 19, 1914

Reported to the Kinston Armouries as a volunteer from Renfrew

Nov 5, 1914

Appointed to the provisional rank of Corporal

Nov 7, 1914

Attested into the 21^st Battalion CEF in Kingston, Ontario

Ø  Number 59857 (temporary number 378)

Ø  Next of kin given as Mrs. Peter Rudge, mother, Dursley, Gloucester, England

Ø  Previous occupation given as Fitter

Ø  Previous military experience given as Gloucester Territorials

Ø  Religion given as Church of England

Ø  Assigned to “D” Company

o   This was later reorganized into “B” Company

 
The battalion trained in the Kingston area through the winter with headquarters in the Kingston Armouries

Feb 24, 1915

Appointed to the provisional rank of Lance Sergeant

Mar 24, 1915

Forfeited 2 days pay for absence

May 6, 1915

Embarked the RMS Metagama in Montreal, Quebec

 
Shown on the Embarkation Roll with the rank of Corporal

May 15, 1915

Disembarked in Devonport, England and the battalion proceeded to the West Sandling Camp, near Hythe, Kent to continue training

 
Appointed to the rank of Lance Sergeant with pay

Jul 13, 1915

Reduced to the rank of Private for misconduct

Sep 14, 1915

Embarked the St. Seiriol in Folkestone

Sep 15, 1915

Disembarked in Boulogne, France and the battalion proceeded to St. Omer

Apr 9, 1916

During heavy fighting at the St. Eloi Craters, Belgium, Private Rudge was reported missing in action.  It was later reported that his body was seen in front of a German held crater.  His body was never recovered and his name is listed on the walls of the Menin Gate, Ypres, Belgium for those killed during the war in Belgium and have no known grave.

 
It is interesting to note his rank as Lance Sergeant.  His actual rank was that of Private at the time of his death.

 
Following the end of the war, the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal, Plaque (Dead Man’s Penny) and Scroll were sent to his father, Peter Rudge, Bowers Court, Dursley, Gloucester, England

 
The Memorial Cross was sent to his mother, Mrs. Eliza Rudge, at the same address

Oct 8, 1918

Stewart’s brother Fred Rudge 39530, was killed while serving with the 7^th Leicestershire Regiment.  Sadly, he has no known grave either and his name is listed on the panels at the Vis-en-Artois Memorial, Haucourt, France