John Eldon Stephenson MM

Rank: 
Lance Corporal
Regimental number: 
164479
Unit at enlistment: 
84th Battalion
Force: 
C.E.F.
Volunteered or conscripted: 
Volunteered
Survived the war: 
Yes
Wounded: 
Yes
Awards or decorations: 
Military Medal
Birth country: 
Canada
Birth county: 
Brant
Birth city: 
Brantford, Ontario
Address at enlistment: 
92 Alice Street, Brantford, Ontario
Next of kin address: 
92 Alice Street, Brantford, Ontario
Trade or calling: 
Labourer
Religious denominations: 
Church of England
Marital status: 
Single
Age at enlistment: 
22
Gallantry medals: 
Yes

Letters and documents

London Gazette: 29953
Date: February 19, 1917
Honour or Award: Military Medal
Authority: R.O. 386 Watson, December 17, 1916
Name: Stephenson, John Eldon (164479)
Unit: 78th Battalion

Details: For conspicuous gallantry on November 17th-18th in Desire Trench, near Courcelette. He was a member of the bombing section and after more than half his section had been killed or wounded in the preliminary attack, he collected and reorganized the remainder at the block in Desire Trench, all the N.C.O.’s in the section having become casualties. He took an active part in the attack on German dugouts near the captured trench and captured five officers. During the early part of November 17th when our position near the block was critical owing to German counter-attacks, he organized the resistance and broke up the enemy movements along Desire Trench by firing rifle grenades.

BX September 5, 1917

Mrs. J. Stephenson, 92 Alice Street, has been notified officially that her son, Private John Eldon Stephenson had been admitted to the 23rd Casualty Clearing Station on Aug. 28 with a gunshot wound in the arm. He left here with the battalion which wintered in the city. Previous to enlistment he was with a bridge construction company on local work.