Corporal Issac Stevenson, Royal Artillery

[Adrian Stevenson]

My Grandfather was a volunteer soldier and joined the Army in 1915. Before leaving for the Western Front he got engaged to my Grandmother. He was sent to France on 9/8/1915. He was a member of the Royal Field Artillery and was assigned to a gun team using the 18 pounder field gun. He served on the Somme which was one of the bloodiest battles ever fought by the British Army. His unit was attached to the Third Infantry Division, nick-named the "Iron Division". One of his memories was that his horse drowned in the mud.

My Grandad died 30 years ago when I was 16, so I have no real stories to tell. My Dad says he never spoke of the Great War to him either other than to say he saw many horrific things and he did not want to remember them.

I know that he served in Koln in the Army of Occupation in 1919 and I have a few written notes and German phrases. I also have a range table of his gun and times shells were fired. Why he kept this I do not know? Maybe they were the last rounds they fired and that is why it was kept?

He did bring home a P08 Luger which he told my Dad he took off a dead German Officer. Sadly, this was handed in to the authorities in 1968 during a firearms amnesty. My Dad recalls he had taken out the firing pin but it was complete in the holster. We do have his medals. He was awarded the 1914-15 Star, War Medal and Victory Medal.

[Adrian Stevenson]

Here is a photo of the gun team, taken in France I think.

[Adrian Stevenson]

Here he is with my Grandma. This photo was taken in 1918 when they got married.

My Dad recalls playing war wearing the leather ammo bandoleer, which Grandma later threw away after my Dad left home to do his National Service in the 50's.

Not really visable in the photo are their rings. But I wear my Grandad's wedding ring as my own, while my wife Lez and I got engaged with the same ring as my Grandma wears.

[Adrian Stevenson]

Some comrades, sadly this photo has no names as it came to light after his death.

[Adrian Stevenson]

These were a trench art souvenir that he brought home. Made from two 18prd shell cases and formed into two caps. Dated 1908 and 1915.

[Adrian Stevenson]

Colour painted photo inside a locket which my Grandma wore.

[Adrian Stevenson]

Being over age for military service in WW2 he volunteered for the Air Raid Precautions and served as a Warden. He also was a member of the St John Ambulance Brigade. Here is a solid silver cup presented to him for this wartime service.

[Adrian Stevenson]

His St John qualification bar. Each year you had to undertake an exam and this shows that you passed for that year. Dates range from 1942 to 1946.

[Adrian Stevenson]

St John badge

[Adrian Stevenson]

I am currently trying to obtain the WW2 Defence Medal which he would have been entitled to but never claimed.

Cheers, Ade.

[History]

WOW ! It has to feel good to have that kind of history in your genes. The rings being used by your bride and yourself is fantastic. Thanks for sharing

[Maikäfer]

Very nice tribute and good to see veterans remembered!

Wonderful family history, well remembered and honored.

[Freejack]

Hello Adrian!

I am very happy for You. You know Your family history. I cannot say this about myself. I was a late child, when I started to take an interest, it was already too late.

Souvenirs made at the front are very interesting. I read somewhere how people said it was impossible. The conversation was about finger rings. If you know that different specialists went to the war, then there might be those who know how to do such things. Now I've got evidence , possible everything.

I wish you good and happiness
Regards
Viktor