Albert Edward Stvenson was born in 1887 the youngest of three children of William and Sarah, nee Marsden. In 1901 the family were living in Sticker Lane and at 14 years of age Albert was working as a stuff weaver weft boy. In 1912 Albert married Laura Hainsworth and two children were born to them, Ronald in 1913 and Gerald in 1914. Albert enlisted in April 1916 in the 311 Brigade of the Royal Field Artillery and became Acting Corporal 780808. Between the 24th of May and the 14th of August 1917 Albert’s Brigade was attached to 1 ANZAC Division and he was killed in action on the 6th of August during the Battles of the Lys which began on the 31st of July 1917. He was 30 years of age.

The Shipley Times & Express reported that his wife received letters from both captain and chaplain, ‘each bearing high testimony to the departed hero’s soldierly qualities.’ Chaplain Clement Houchen writes: “You will have heard the sad news from the army official source but I know how much you will value any details you can hear in any way. “Cpl Stevenson was killed in action after much firing. While he was on his seat of the gun, a splinter from an enemy shell hit him in the chest and he died almost instantly. “He was a brave soldier, beloved by his fellows and in the words of the men, he was the best NCO in the battery!

“We wish you to know how sorry we are for you and the children but at the same time, we are proud to think that your husband was one of the heroes of this time who gave up his life for his friends following the example of our dear Lord and Master.” Captain L H Drabble says: “Your husband had served all his time under me and both officers and men miss him badly. He was a fine soldier and a splendid example to others. “He died as I am sure he would have wished, in action, serving well his God, King and Country. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy in your great loss.” Albert is buried in the Strand Military Cemetery. ‘Charing

Cross’ was the name given by the troops to a point at the end of a trench called The Strand which led into Ploegsteert Wood. Two burials were made at this place in October 1914 close to an Advanced Dressing Station and between April to July 1917 plots I to VI were completed. Albert left his effects to his widow Laura who received £7.17.6d on the 12th of December 1917. However his War Gratuity of £9.3.0d was left equally between Laura, Sarah Taylor and Emma Stevenson. Laura re-married in 1919 and on the 26th of September of that year she travelled to Melbourne, Australia returning to England on the 29th of April 1920.

Researched and written by Jean Britteon, to whom many thanks