 Born in Scotland , Stewart worked in Russia teaching English after completing his education . He then taught classical studies , firstly at the University of Liverpool in England and then at Canterbury College in Christchurch , New Zealand . During the First World War , he volunteered for service abroad with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force . He participated in several engagements at Gallipoli and on the Western Front , and was decorated for bravery and leadership . He ended the war as a lieutenant @-@ colonel and commanding a battalion of the Canterbury Infantry Regiment , having also briefly led the 2nd Infantry Brigade . 
