Photo: Dorothy Hall
At Rest
Son of William and Emma Stembridge; husband of Florence Stembridge, of 69, Galgate, Barnard Castle, Co. Durham.
In Barnard Castle Nonconformist Cemetery is a family headstone which reads:-
In loving memory of
Anne Taylor
the beloved wife of
John Taylor
who died February 6th 1917
aged 57 years
also the above
John Taylor
died January 12th 1925
aged 72 years
also of
2nd Lieut. Jim Stembridge
son in law of the above
killed in action September 29th 1918
Peter Wise and Brenda McMahon have submitted the following:-
James (always known as Jim) was born at Barnard Castle in 1891. His parents were William and Emma (nee Dickens) who married at Hull in 1886. The couple had 8 children together but sadly one died.
In 1891 the family were living at 3 Balliol Street including Jim’s sisters Grace and Ellen. His father was a flat dresser by trade.
The family circumstances had not changed much by 1901 except they were now living at 1 Wood Street and also that the family had grown to include Jesse?, Joanna, Alfred and Ethel.
By 1911 father William had died (1906). Jim was now working in the co-op then later at the Middlesbrough branch. His sisters Ellen and Joanna worked at the steam laundry. Ellen as a laundry ironer whilst Joanna was a laundry machinist.
Jim joined the army and served for a while with the Durham Light Infantry as service no. 2321 then later as 250194. He worked his way through the ranks. When he married in late November 1916 he was a Company Sergeant Major but later achieved the rank of 2nd Lieutenant when he was serving with 2nd Battalion Alexandra, Princess of Wales’s Own Yorkshire Regiment.
The Teesdale Mercury 29/11/1916 reports:-
Khaki Wedding at the Wesleyan Church.
A military wedding took place on Monday afternoon, at the Wesleyan Church, Barnard Castle, the contracting parties being Company Sergeant-Major Jim Stembridge, of the l/6th Durham Light Infantry, son of Mrs Stembridge, King Street, and Florence Taylor, youngest daughter of Mr John Taylor, Galgate. The bridegroom, who is on leave of absence from the front, was formerly employed at the local co-operative stores. The dress of the bride was of white silk, with veil and orange blossom, and she carried a bouquet of lilies and chrysanthemums. The bridesmaids were Misses N. Stembridge, W. Taylor and F. Wild, and Mr J. Taylor, of Carlisle, was best man. The Revs. F. G. Gatehouse and R. W. Young (Staindrop) were the officiating ministers, and Mr J. G. Willey presided at the organ. The honeymoon is being spent at Redcar. Included among the presents is an inlaid clock, with silver plate for names of donors (Battalion Sergeant-Majors, Company Sergeant-Majors and Company Quartermaster-Sergeants of the l/6th Battalion Durham Light Infantry).
Jim was killed in action September 29th 1918.
The Teesdale Mercury 09/10/1918 reports:-
On Wednesday night Mrs Stembridge received an official telegram from the War Office notifying that her husband, Lieutenant James Stembridge, of this town, had been killed in action. The mournful news created quite a gloom in circles in which the gallant young officer moved, and much sympathy is shown for his wife, mother, and brothers and sisters. Lieut. Stembridge being highly esteemed for his many excellent qualities.
A letter to James' widow from Captain and Adjutant L. Simpson details how James was killed by shell fire during an attack on 29/09/1918.
"He and another officer were killed instantaneously by the same shell. He took his part and share in the attack, and carried out all his orders in a most gallant way. Second Lieutenant Stembridge's death is a great loss to the battalion, and you will understand what it means to a battalion to lose good officers at a time like this. Your husband was buried on the outskirts of the Cambrai sector, and a cross will be erected as soon as the battle ceases. I shall be pleased to help you in any little way I can. Will you please overlook the fact of this intelligence being sent in a scrappy note, as we are still in active operations."
The Mercury reported how one of the 'most cherished documents' left behind by James was a copy of an address delivered by Brigadier General Shea.
Included on the “List of former Scholars of this School (Barnard Castle National Boys' School) now serving with His Majesty's Forces.” Number on the admission register – 1530
His headstone bears the inscription:- ‘At Rest’
Jim left an amount of £123.18.3d to his widow.
Jim Stembridge is remembered at Barnard Castle on B135.02 B135.23 and B135.25
