Photo: Brian Pirrie

3/8378 Private
J. Stevenson
Northumberland Fusiliers
29th October 1919 Age 30

William Kirby has submitted the following:-

Joseph was born in 1880 at Ruddington, Nottinghamshire the son of Henry and Amelia Stevenson.

In 1901 the family were living at Middle Chare, Chester-le-Street. Henry, a Colliery Way Cleaner and Amelia had the following children - Joseph 19 a colliery Labourer, John H 15 a Colliery trapper, Albert 14 a Colliery Driver, Edith 13, all born at Ruddington Nottingham, Annie 8 born in Ilkeston Derbyshire and Arthur 5, Charles 3 both born in Chester-le-Street and George 2 born at Craghead.

In 1911 Henry and Amelia were living at 62 Albert Street Grange Villa. They had had seventeen children of whom six had died. At Grange Villa was Joe (29) a Mason's Labourer like his father, Harriet Ann (18), Arthur (15) a Pony Driver, Charles (13) at school, Eliza Marshall (9 born Chester-le-Street), Fred (7) Selina (6) and Alf (2) all been born at Craghead.

Joe re-enlisted in August 1914 and embarked for France 8th February 1915. He was discharged due to a gun shot wound in November 1918 and awarded a Silver War Badge number B42315.

Joseph died at the County Asylum, Newminster, Morpeth on the 29th October 1919 aged 38 years.

Chester-le-Street Chronicle 07/11/1919 reports:-

Death of a Pelton Hero

On Monday the internment took place at St. Pauls Churchyard of Pte Joseph Stevenson (NF) who resided at 62 Albert Street Grange Villa. The service was conducted by Rev E.J. Taylor F.S.A. T.D. There was a large number of relatives and sympathisers with the family present.

The deceased had served his country conspicuously, having completed 17 and a half years service and died as a consequence of wounds received in the Great War. He joined the service in February 1902 and took part in the Boer War.

After serving for 12 years he re-enlisted in 1914. He was sent to India and took part in one of the NW Campaigns, where he was wounded. While in France he went through many stiff engagements, and was wounded many times.

He bore the proud distinction of five stripes together with five chevrons. He was invalided home and was an inmate of several war hospitals including Sheffield, Gloucester, Newcastle and Gosforth. His sturdy built frame and vigour of manhood was terribly undermined by the effects of the war. His experiences told on his health and strength and he passed away in a county hospital.

He had received the South African and Indian medals and was entitled to the 1914 Mons and two other medals.

The following brothers had also shown a distinctive patriotism serving their country in the critical time of her history. Sergt JH Stevenson East Yorks who won the MM and Belgian Crux-de-Gurre; Corp Albert Stevenson 8th DLI who was killed in 1916; Corporal Arthur Stevenson 8th DLI and Pte Charles Stevenson 8th DLI who for three years was a prisoner of war in Germany.

Joseph's early service records survive and show that he enlisted at Chester-le-Street in 1902. He was in South Africa 1902-3, Mauritius 1903-6, India 1906-10. He served on the North West Frontier in 1908. He was in the Reserves from 19th February 1910 until 18th February 1914, thus completing his 12 years service.

Recipient of the 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.

His brother Albert was killed in action in 1916.

Joseph Stevenson is remembered at West Pelton on W112.01