STEVENS George Thomas

Private George Thomas Stevens was born c1894 at Upton Warren near Bromsgrove, one of twelve children of Joseph and Mary Ann Stevens (nee Hipkiss). His father was a farm worker. George Thomas married Alice Banner at Bromsgrove in 1915. They had one child Kathleen M. Stevens. After his death Alice re-married James Ward and lived at 10 Rigby Lane, Aston Fields, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire.

Private George Thomas Stevens enlisted at Worcester and went to France on 12th August 1914 with the 2nd Battalion. He was killed at High Wood whilst acting as a runner for his officer, carrying messages to the frontline. He was awarded the 1914 Star, the British war Medal and the Victory Medal.

The Bromsgrove Droitwich and Redditch Messenger, 23rd September 1916:
FEARED DEATH OF MISSING FINSTALL MAN
A letter has been received from a company officer of the Worcestershires with regard to Private George Thomas Stevens, aged 22, a son of Mr and Mrs Joseph Stevens, of Stone House Farm, Finstall, near Bromsgrove, who has been missing since July 15th. He was sent out front with a message, and did not return. I am afraid he was undoubtedly killed , as we searched the ground afterwards for wounded, but could not find him. I should be very obliged if you would convey to the parents of Private Stevens my deep regret at his loss. He was in every way a most excellent soldier, and always did his duty well. Previous to July 15th he acted as servant to one of my officers, who also asks me to express his sorrow at his loss. Had Private Stevens lived he would have been recommended for the Military Medal.” Private Stevens’ wife and child reside with his parents.

A letter has been received from a company officer Captain C. Pigg for ‘C’ Company of the Worcestershires with regard to Private George Thomas Stevens, of Stone House Farm, Finstall, near Bromsgrove, who has been missing since July 15th. The officer writes that Private Stevens:
“acted as my runner during the action on July 15th. He was sent out in front with a message and did not return. I am afraid he was undoubtedly killed, as we searched afterwards for wounded, but could not find him. I should be very obliged if you would convey to the parents of Private Stevens my deep regret at his loss. He was in every way a most excellent soldier, and always did his duty well. Previous to July 15th, he acted as servant to one of my officers, who also asks me to express his sorrow at his loss. Had Private Stevens lived, he would have been recommended for the Military Medal.”

A photograph of Private George Thomas Stevens can be found via the following link:
http://www.worcestershireregiment.com/photo_pte_g_t_stevens_12897.php

George Stevens is also commemorated on the Roll of Honour in Bromsgrove Library.

George Stevens has no known grave, the photograph available shows his name on Thiepval Memorial.