In 1915, following reports of extensive casualties in Europe, many young Australian men answered the call from the Commonwealth and enlisted in great numbers. One such volunteer was Allan Albert Stuart, a 32 year-old grazier from the Tomingley area.

Allan Stuart was born in Dubbo and raised at “Allandale”, a property situated 11km west of Geurie on the Little River, before moving to the Tomingley area. There he purchased the property "Mayfield", between Tomingley and Peak Hill.

Following his enlistment on 29 October 1915 Allan trained at Liverpool and embarked with the 54th Battalion on 23 June 1916.
His Unit was transferred to France and, with the rank of Provost Sergeant, Allan Stuart, along with 11 members of his unit, was killed in action at the Battle of Polygon Wood on 26 September 1917 when his unit came under heavy shelling.
He was buried at Hooge Crater Cemetery, Zillebeke, Belgium.

In 1912 Allan was initiated into Freemasonry at Lodge Jersey No 204 in Peak Hill on 23 August, passed to the 2nd Degree on 20 September and raised to the 3rd Degree on 25 October of the same year.