A W Stokes (1894 - 1916)

Alfred William Stokes was born in Claverley in 1894 and was baptised at the Parish Church on 26th August. He was the son of John William Stokes, a shepherd, and his wife, Elizabeth Jane. They lived in the hamlet of Hopstone.

By 1911, Elizabeth, now a widow, is living with her family at Hopstone House. She is a farmer and employer. Her oldest son, George, is a school teacher and her youngest, Alfred (aged 16) is still at school - he is known to have attended Bridgnorth Grammar School.

Alfred served as a signaller in the 14th Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment. His name was included in a casualty list published in the Bridgnorth Journal on 21st October, 1916 as 'wounded and missing'. He was later posted as killed in action on 3rd September, 1916 - the opening day of the Battle of Guillemont (a phase of the Somme, 1916) in which his division took part.

Private Stokes, 1689, was awarded the Victory and British medals.

OLD BOY NOTES
[Bridgnorth Grammar School Magazine, December 1916]
We regret to report that Sgt. A. J. Johnson, Pte C. N. Wightman and Signaller A Stokes are still among the missing. We sympathise most deeply with their parents who are suffering such terrible and protracted anxiety. . . . Signaller A. Stokes has been missing since Sept. 3rd, when he went into action with his battalion. Since then, nothing has been seen or heard of him.