He was the son of Christopher and Mary Stephenson, nee Brewis, who married in 1887 in the Tynemouth registration district. These were their children: Alverda Ovington, born 1888; Sophia Margaret, born 1890; Mary Sylvia Jane, born 1893; Christopher, born 1894; Robert Brewis, born 1897, and Mary Alice, born 1907.

Angela Conroy has submitted the two following article from St.Peter's Magazine.

The first is from St Peter (Wallsend) newsletter magazine dated June 1915

'Letters from Abroad
We publish the following extracts from letters received at the Rectory from those serving with the Army and Navy abroad. Trooper R. Stephenson:- "We have been in this place for about a month, which is nearly the record stay in one place since I came out. Last night we got an order to stand to, that is to get ready to move in two hours. However, after getting everything ready to move, we were told to go back to bed (I mean my bed, an old straw barn) for the rest of the night. I am sorry I can't tell you why we stood to arms last night, as this letter has to be censored. The country out here is similar to the bit of ground one sees up past the Hill Farm, minus the pit, trees and hedges. The Churches out here are fearfully knocked about. One just about 200 yards down the road has its roof knocked in and the tower is all broken down with large shell holes in all over. You must have had quite an exciting time during the Zep raid. How very little has been damaged. I bet the Germans feel pretty sick about it. The trenches are the absolute limit, we only had about 3 weeks of them but that was too much. How the Inf. Tommies stay in month in month out is marvelous. If only the people of England knew what these men have gone through there would be fewer strikes, but they never will, and in a year or two after the war is over all will be forgotten by the masses as of old. I hope to see the North Terriers out here shortly, as I have heard they have left England. Please remember me to all my friends. We are both very well and having as good a time as we can have at a war."

The second is from St.Peter's Magazine December 1917:

'Robert Brewis Stephenson
The most heartfelt sympathy of all at S. Peter's is felt for our dear friend, Mrs. Stephenson, in the second great loss which she has sustained during the war in the death of her son Robert, who died of wounds in France on October 23rd. His brother, Capt Stephenson, was able to be with him at the last. He is another of that great band of splendid young men who have made the great sacrifice. Not only was his death noble, but his life also. Brave, affectionate, clean living, of a charming nature and disposition, a good son, brother and comrade, he was loved not only by his own immediate friends and relations but by his fellow officers and the men whom he led. The following letters show this in a very touching way. From Capt. Phipps:- It was with great grief that I read in Saturday's paper the death of your dear son. I had the privilege of being his platoon commander when he was at Newmarket, and like everyone else who came in contact with him, immediately felt his charming personality and nature. When he left us we all knew that he had a great future before him if he could only manage to avoid the fatal bullet. I am absolutely certain that he never did know what fear was (you only had to watch him play rugger to know that). I am so glad that he lived to know that he had been awarded the Military Cross. I am perfectly and absolutely certain that he deserved it a thousand times over. Please forgive this letter from an absolute stranger, but I feel for you more than I can say, and I too have lost a very dear friend."

From Colonel Spencer Acklam: - "The sad news of your son's death reached us last night. I feel I can say nothing to mitigate your great sorrow, and I can assure you that it is shared by the whole battalion. I may safely say that your son was the most popular officer here, and I have never met a more gallant and manly boy. Please accept our sympathy."

"Mother dear, your hero son was not afraid to die. I was with him to the end. He just passed away in his sleep to the arms of his Heavenly Father. I thank God I could be with him. He was buried as a soldier laddie should be, covered by the Union Jack, the flag he laid down his life for." (Extract from Capt. Christopher Stephenson's letter).'

Robert Brewis Stephenson is remembered in Wallsend on W7.03, W7.04, W7.15 and W7.19

Find a Grave website
The CWGC entry for 2nd Lieutenant Stephenson