While he was there, however, he changed significantly, growing an inch-and-a-half until he was just under six foot tall, his chest measurement increased by four inches, and he made close friendships that would be maintained throughout his life, such as James Vernon Young, later a major-general, and Colin W. G. Gibson, later a Liberal cabinet minister, and he did better at his studies as, by the time he graduated, on June 22, 1911,[4] he stood fifteen out of a class of thirty-three.

[5] At the outbreak of the First World War in August 1914, Stuart commanded a battery of searchlights in the harbour of Halifax, Nova Scotia.

He subsequently joined the 7th Field Company, part of the 3rd Canadian Division, and, after being promoted again, this time to the brevet rank of major, on 26 February 1917,[4] he won the Military Cross (MC) in 1917,[7] although he was slightly wounded in the process.

He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO)[8] during the Battle of Amiens for bridging a river whilst under enemy fire on 8 August 1918−the so-called "Black Day of the German Army".

When the Second World War broke out in 1939 she died but was found in her nursing home holding two pictures, one of McNaughton, the other of her own son.

He tried numerous times to escape over the next few months but it would not be until July 1940 when his wish was granted due to Crerar returning to Canada where he assumed the position of Chief of the General Staff (CGS).

He immediately made Stuart deputy chief of the general staff (DCGS), which also included being an army member on the Permanent Joint Board on Defence.

[11][16] During the Conscription Crisis of 1944, Stuart took a pro-conscription stance, for which he was dismissed by General Andrew McNaughton, the Minister of National Defence.

He died, due in large part to the illnesses which had been a constant grievance for many years, on 3 November 1945, just a few weeks after his fifty-fourth birthday.

[17] His estate was tiny and, although his military career had spanned thirty-five years, his widow received a pension of just $180 a month.