Stephen Craigs was born July 20th 1891 in Craghead, one of 6 children, 5 boys and 1 girl. born to Stephen Craigs Snr. 1868 Half Way House, County Durham and Margaret Ann Clarke a native of Coxhoe, County Durham. They were married the last quarter of 1890 in the district of Lanchester, their first home was at 7 Thomas Street Craghead. It was here that Stephen Jnr. was born the following year, his father worked at the colliery as a winding engineman. As the family grew they moved to 35, Railway Street where they took in two colliery workers as boarders. His family remained at this address however in 1911 Stephen Jnr. was living with his uncle and aunt, John and Susannah Davidson, their 4 children, her widowed mother and brother at 19..(illegible)..Row, Nova Scotia, Harraton working at the pit as a labourer above ground.
Stephen Craigs enlisted February 4th 1915 at Grove Park, Durham stating that he lived at 11 Railway Row, Craghead and was assigned as Private 048073 to the Royal Army Service Corp. The following month March 5th he embarked in Southampton on route to Rouen, France, where he was attached to the Horse Transport Depot, however by the 14th of the month he was with the 7th Supply Column, mainly responsible for the supply of bread and meat rations to the troops. He remained in this capacity until December 30th 1915 when he was given leave back to the U.K. of one week. During his leave he married Miss Florence Tweddle at the parish church of Craghead, January 1st 1916. Once returned to the field he was sent to the 15th Corp Ammunition Parks, later to the 15th Mechanical Transport and the 47th Mechanical Transport Corp 1918-1919 as a motor cyclist and finally May 1st-15th with the 57th Depot Mechanical Transport Corp as a lorry driver. May 18th 1919 he was transferred back to the U.K. for release. Private M2/048073 Stephen Craigs was officially discharged May 25th 1919 at the age of 28 years. He was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
The Army Service Corp where the unsung heroes of the British Army in the Great War. Soldiers cannot fight without food, equipment and ammunition. In the Great War the majority of this, supplying a vast army on many fronts, was undertaken by the British. Using horsed carts, motor vehicles, railways and waterways the Royal Army Service Corp performed feats of logistics and organisation, that, without doubt, was a great strength in the winning of the war.
Present records available do not confirm whether Stephen and Florence had any children. Stephen Craigs died the first quarter of 1976 in the district of Durham aged 84 years.
Two of his brothers John and Joseph also served.
God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.
Stephen Craig's service is remembered at Craghead on C120.02