Additions will be checked before being published on the website and where possible will be forwarded to the person who submitted the original entries. Your contact details will not be forwarded, but they can send a reply via this messaging system.
please scroll down to send a message
Pte. Stephen Harry Humphries
British Army 5th Btn. Duke of Cornwalls Light Infantry
from:Long Lawford, Warwickshire
Stephen Harry Humphries was born on the 29th of May 1899 and lived at 30, Main Street, Long Lawford, a small village, near Rugby.
He signed up to join at Rugby Volunteer Office in January 1916. Being under age, so many of his friends lied about their ages too. He was transferred to Birmingham a holding place for the volunteers, then they were all dispersed to various regiments. He was transferred to Newquay, then on to the Duke of Cornwalls regiment, ready for training, where part of it took place at Falmouth. Early April 1916 they were moved to Pereham Down, near Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire for further training. Later in April 1916 another move to Tidmouth, and were converted into the 5th D.C.L.I. Pioneer Battalion and attached to the 61st (2nd South Midland) Division.
On the 21st May 1916 he set sail for France, landing at Le Harve. He was still only 16 years old, and this was his start of his journey in WW1. So many tales he told of the rats eating their rations and bootlaces. Some of the stories are too horrific for me to put down on paper.
He was demobbed at Exeter in April 1920 and was given his rail warrant to return home, where sad news was awaiting him on his return. He had lost his twin brother, Percy Humphries, in The Battle of Arras on the 9th April 1917. As he marched into Arras in May 1917 he had no idea how close they were to each other, and what had happened, also he had lost so many friends from home.
My father died 5th December 1984. So proud of you Dad. Your loving daughter.
