STEVENS, James

James Stevens was the son of Levi and Mary Stevens and attended Cradley C of E school. He lived at 29 Mill Street, Cradley, with his wife and four children. He volunteered in December 1914 for the Worcesters and joined the 9th (Service) Battalion. After extensive training they were sent out to Gallipoli in the relief force of August 1915. The landings were straightforward but subsequent advances were strongly opposed by the Turks, while conditions in terms of terrain and temperature were very difficult. The isolation of the campaign and the effects of disease were serious and Private James Stevens was evacuated to the base camp at Alexandria suffering from dysentery. He died on the 30th October and was buried in Chatby Military Cemetery at Alexandria (B 12 5). He is commemorated on the Cradley, Halesowen and Cradley C of E Sschool Memorials.