Pipe Major 48th Highlanders of Canada

1965-1975

James Ross Stewart was born in 1924 and as a young boy started piping under the tutelage of Pipe Major James Fraser. At thirteen he joined the 48th Pipes and Drums as a boy piper.  Too young to go overseas he played with the 2nd (Home) Battalion of the Regiment and served in the Depot Pipe Band of 25 Canadian Army Basic Training Centre at Simcoe Ontario under Pipe Major Hamilton McCarrol, until he was old enough to apply to serve overseas. Unable to join the 1st Battalion in Italy, Ross ended up serving with the Royal Canadian Dental Corps and returned to 1st Battalion, 48th Highlanders in Holland during late 1945.   He remained with the Regiment after the War and became Pipe Sergeant when Archie Dewar became Pipe Major in 1952.

In 1965 MWO JR Stewart was appointed Pipe Major of the 48th Highlanders of Canada.  In 1968 he was promoted to CWO.  In 1973 he was admitted to the Order of Military Merit. Following his retirement as Pipe Major in 1975 he was active with St John Ambulance and was admitted to the Order of St John. He was active in raising and training the 48th Highlanders of Holland Pipes and Drums of Holland.  In civilian life Ross joined Toronto Hydro after returning from overseas and later served as Director Personnel Administration for North York General Hospital