Peter Wise and Brenda McMahon have submitted the following:-
Russell was born at Barnard Castle in 1890 the son of John and Jane (nee Davison) who had married in 1887 at Sunderland.
In 1891 the census shows the family living at 23 Balliol Street, Barnard Castle. Father was a gas stoker. Russell’s siblings at that time were Bertie and Lily. There was also a servant Sarah living with them.
By 1901 more children had arrived that is Clarence and Janetta.
In 1911 there is another son Roynald (5) and grandaughter Ella Geraldine (6 ) living with the family. By this time Bertie was working as a law clerk whilst his sister Janetta was a domestic servant. A boarder was living here also. Father John had died in August 1907.
Russell married his sweetheart Evelyn May Wren on July 12th 1914 just before the war broke out. The couple went on to have 2 girls Ivy Mildred born November 9th 1914 and Doreen born December 3rd 1917. He worked as a seedsman in the employ of Mr. F. Metcalfe.
Russell attested at Barnard Castle on December 8th 1915. His report shows him to be 5’5” tall. He had an upper denture. His physical development was reported as good. His faith was Church of England.
He stayed in England from his date of attestation until he was mobilised on August 8th 1916 then sent to France the following day.
On November 27th 1917 whilst at Seaham Harbour he was reprimanded for being improperly dressed in town and also using obscene language. He embarked at Southampton the following day.
He was killed in action on March 28th 1918.
His commanding officer wrote to Russell’s widow “Corporal Stoddart was one of my best non-commissioned officers and was respected by all. He had run forward from the front line with a party of 6 men in chase of the retreating enemy, and was just about to return to our line with a prisoner when he fell, shot through the head. His last words to me were “Leave me sir, I am done”.
His widow was later awarded a pension for herself and their 2 girls of 26/6d as from October 14th 1918.
The inscription on his headstone reads :- Their glory shall not be blotted out.
His brothers Bertie and Clarence also served in the Great War.
Russell Stoddart is remembered at Barnard Castle on B135.02, B135.23 and B135.25
He is also remembered in The DLI Book of Remembrance page 64
