Death of Lt Michael Anthony Spalding Gould Stewart RN
18 Oct 2022 - I have heard the sad news via Mike O'Meara that former RN Clearance Diving Officer Mike Stewart crossed the bar last night (17 Oct 2022).
Mike was commissioned as a Sub Lt on 1 Sep 1963 and qualified as a CDO at HMS VERNON in 1965, the year before the formation of the MCDO sub-branch.
CDO course ACD6 at HMS VERNON in 1965
1965 CDO Course members Sub Lt (later Cdr) John O'Driscoll MBE, Sub Lt (later Lt) Mike Stewart, Lt (later Cdr) Bryan Barrett with SofD Trophy as top student, and the late Lt Tony Shepherd.
Known for his panache including driving a red Alpha Romeo Spider sports car, Mike went on to serve in the Med Fleet Clearance Diving Team based in Malta (1966-67), the Portsmouth & Medway CD Team based at HMS VERNON (1967-68), HMS BRINTON (1968-69), HMS DIAMOND (1969-70) and HMS MAIDSTONE (1970-71).
After leaving the RN as a Lt in 1971, Mike pursued a highly successful second career managing commercial diving operations globally, from the North Sea to New Zealand and the Atlantic to the Pacific. In 1981, he led one of the most challenging diving operations in history; the record-breaking British expedition to recover five tonnes of Russian Gold from HMS EDINBURGH, the sister ship of HMS BELFAST on the Thames today, which was lost in the Arctic Convoys of WWII. As Mike Stewart told me in one of his many emails, former PO(CD1) Mike O'Meara was the Senior LST with him in Strongwork Diving and Wharton Williams Ltd, and was his right hand man as the Diving Superintendent for the EDINBURGH salvage job.
Mike Stewart (right) at the MCDOA Annual Dinner in 2009.
I am sure all members of our community will join me in extending our sincere condolences to Mike's family, particularly his wife Monica, and their close friends.
From Mike O’Meara:
“Hello Rob
Here are the details and map for the MCDO's site from Monica for Mike's farewell. I have agreed with Monica to collate a list of those planning to attend.
RSVP to Mike O'Meara on
mikeomeara27@msn.com
or
07909565356
by 23rd October please.”
From Mike Stewart’s wife Monica:
“We will log Mike's crossing of the bar on Thursday 3rd November at 1430 hrs in Ardrishaig Public Hall, 43 Chalmers St, Ardrishaig, Lochgilphead PA30 8EY. Following the farewell, please stay on for refreshments and a chat if you can.
It would be a great help if you could let us know by this Sunday 23rd, if you intend to join us. We realise it would be a long and costly journey for many and completely understand if it is not possible. Due to almost continuous roadworks on the Rest and be Thankful, A83, after Loch Lomond and Arrochar, you should probably allow 2 3/4 to 3 hours from Glasgow to be comfortable.
Unfortunately, the car park right at the hall is closed for renovation. Please see attached map for starred alternatives. It is easy to drop anyone with limited mobility right at the door, but please let us know if you need to park a car right at the hall - there are a few spaces for this.
With kindest regards,
Monica Stewart”
From Bryan Barrett (Fellow member of 1965 CDO Course);
“Thank you, Rob.
We have been in close touch with Monica over the past few years and she let us know of Mike’s passing. It is so sad, but something of a mercy for Monica as Mike’s increasingly poor health and downward spiral has made life very hard for her.
Requiescat in pace.
Bryan”
From Cdr John O’Driscoll MBE (Fellow member of 1965 CDO Course):
“Thank you Rob,
We have been in touch over the years and as my buddy on course Mike and I were inseparable. We have had several reunions, one in Corsica, where he was in transit to the Greek Islands,as part of a long term odyssey. He wanted to sail around the world, and built Stravaigin for that purpose. Sadly bad health changed everything. He bore his long term illness with courage and fortitude. I shall miss him as one of my closest friends and partner in many adventures.
I keep in touch with Monica who cared for him heroically throughout his tragic demise.
Yours aye,
John”
From Annabelle Celia Grattan Stephens (Daughter of Cdr John Grattan OBE):
“A sad day indeed, Rob.
Thank you for letting us know. Mike was a big part of all our lives, me included as a wee thing in Malta and beyond. He had been poorly for some time, so a blessed relief he was with Monica in Scotland. Home.
God bless.
Kind regards,
Annabelle”