Menin Gate Memorial
Anita Carroll has sent in the following:
Lance Corporal James Stephenson, 17269, 9th Bn, Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own (Yorkshire Regiment).
Born 1890, Nettlesworth, Durham. Son of William and Sarah Ann (nee Bonarius) Stephenson, 2 South View, Kimblesworth, Durham.
Entered the Theatre of war 26th August 1915.
Died 7th June 1917. Named on Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial.
A letter written by James dated 3rd March (no year) reads:
"...we are in the French mining villages I was on the pit heap last night I have seen some black pitmen this last day or two I don't think they could hew themselves out a paper bag.......they have no British troops where we are but they know how to charge for things....you say you are expecting home any time Well I don't think it will yet but our rest has been spoiled through the Germans making that Great attack on the French all our leave cancelled for a while. I don't think we will be long now before we are back against Fritz....I don't think the war will last a long while now the French has given him a good thrashing he is bound to see now that he has a hopeless task in hand....how we don't get the pains I don't know as I have many a time been wet through for above a week but I am in better health now that ever I was in my life and thats a fact..." from you loving brother, Jim.
James was my Great Grand Uncle (according to Family Tree Maker!)
James Stephenson is remembered at Kimblesworth on K24.02 and K24.03
