John Robert Stobbs was born on 4th of June 1881, in Todds Court, Westoe, South Shields. His parents were Jonathan Stobbs and Maria Cunningham.

In 1901 he married Esther Hannah Armstrong and they had 12 children. He worked in the coal mines before and after his Army Service.

He first served in the Royal Garrison Artillery No. 49697, then was transferred to the Royal Engineers No. 198168. He served in France from May 1915 at the age of 34, and was discharged 18 September 1917 under Section XVI Paragraph 291 Medically Unfit.”.

John died in 1953 in Castleford, Yorkshire, where he had set up home with his second wife and their children.

He was the brother J. R. Stobbs

He was awarded 3 Medals Victory Medal, British Medal and the 15 Star.

John and Esther’s youngest child Thomas Stobbs was a Cabin Boy in WW2.

Research: Peter Hoy

Information by Pamela Siegel (nee Stobbs).

Thanks to the National Archives.