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Pte. William Stephenson
21st Field Ambulance Royal Army Medical Corps
from:Chester le Street
(d.1st Sep 1916)
Transcript of a Newspaper Article about a letter received by my Great Grandma following the death of my Great Grandad.
How Private Stephenson Died.
Mrs Stephenson of Pelton Fell widow of the late Pte W Stephenson R.A.M.C whose death was recently announced has recently received the following letter from two chums of her husband.
It is with deep sorrow that I write this letter for I know what a shock it will be to you and the children. Our dear old chum ‘Stevie’ has made the great sacrifice while endeavouring to rescue a wounded man who had been struck down a short time before. It is very hard for us to express our sympathy in fitting terms, and I trust you will be able to understand our sorrow for his loss and our sympathy with you in your bereavement.
He along with three other men went out to collect, almost as soon as the boys reached the advanced dressing station and it was on the return journey that the tragic event occurred, a shell bursting close behind the party. The wounded man was killed and two of the squad were wounded, one seriously, while Jim Riggins was thrown in the air receiving a severe twist in the leg. Jim as well as I were great chums of ‘Stevie’ and I, who had been with him since the beginning, can say that a nobler and braver man never went forth to the ‘field’. He was always a ready and willing volunteer, scorning danger when anyone lay wounded and helpless, his one aim being to get them into a place of safety.
It has proved a great blow to all the boys in the field ambulance for he was easily the most popular man we had, always cheerful and ready to do one a good turn. By his happy disposition and demeanour he endeared himself to the lads so that one and all wish me to tender their sincerest sympathy for the loss of your dear husband. Jim Riggins returned to the dressing station with the sad news and a squad was immediately despatched to bring ‘Stevie’ in, and after a time they proved successful. He is buried on the outskirts of the village of Montauban, and all the bearers who were not at work tended the funeral, paying a last tribute to their comrade who had passed into the ‘Great Beyond’.
Yours sincerely, Archie Gilbertson and James Riggins
Through research I've found that William is buried in Bernafay Wood British Cemetery, Montauban.
