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Corporal Frederick George Stephenson

 

Frederick George Stephenson was born on 26 March 1869 in Victoria Street, London, son of printer (later machine-minder) Frederick Stephenson and his wife Deborah. By 1901 he was living at 41 Barclay Street in London and working as a musician. On 1 June that year he married Edith Harriett Loomes at the Old St Pancras Church.

Stephenson enlisted in the North Irish Horse at Newcastle, County Down, on 20 May 1913 (No.854). He gave his age as 29 rather than his real age of 44, and his occupation as musician. He probably took a role in the regimental band.

Mobilised on the outbreak of war, on 21 September 1914 Stephenson was transferred to the Royal Irish Rifles (No.5687), and posted to the 5th (Extra Reserve) Battalion. He remained with that regiment on home service throughout the war.

Stephenson was discharged on 4 February 1919, his military character recorded as 'very good'.