STOKES Alfred George

Rubery Soldier Dies of Wounds
On Wednesday of last week, Mr and Mrs Stokes of Rubery, received information by telegram, of the death from wounds of their eldest son Private George Stokes of the Worcestershire Regiment. The deceased joined the forces on the 31st March 1917. He was a member of the Rednal Working Men’s Club and the Lickey Boy Scouts, and sang in St Chad’s Choir, Rubery, from boyhood. He was 21 years of age. The parents have received a letter of sympathy from Mr W.A. Howitt, the deceased’s old Scoutmaster.

Passchendaele, December 1917
On the 3rd December 1917, the 14th (Pioneer) Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment were released from labour in the Ypres Salient. The close of the heavy fighting had made little difference to the work of the Pioneers who continued to labour in small detachments scattered about the battle-field. The enemy’s artillery was still active and drew a constant toll of casualties which, during the period from 7th November to the 3rd December, amounted to 7 killed and 47 wounded. One of the 47 wounded was Private A.G. Stokes.