Private Stephen James Skinner

Stephen James skinner was born in Battersea to parents Stephen (senior) and Annie (nee Dunton). His parents had married in Chelsea in August 1875, both signing the marriage certificate with an X indicating both were illiterate. Stephen (senior) worked as a labourer then as a road sweeper. By the time Stephen was born on 17th December 1880 his parents already had two children: Annie and Emma. Two more children followed: Ellie in 1884 and James in 1886.

By 1891 the family were living at 40 Parkham Street, Battersea and by 1901 had moved to 32 Granfield street also in Battersea. Just prior to the 1901 census being taken Stephen's younger brother James died aged 15. The following year Stephen now aged 21 married Mary Ann Clapson at St. Mary Church in Battersea. Stephen listed his address as 44 Granfield Street, whilst Mary listed her address as 37 Granfield Street.

Stephen and Mary's first child was baptised at St. Mary in August 1903 and was named Mary Florence Ellen. They were still living in Granfield street now at number 37 and Stephen's occupation was listed as a Carman. The couple had a second child in 1906 named James William Henry. Stephen was now working as a Labourer. Sadly their first child Mary, died aged 4 on 4th September 1907, followed by the death of Stephens's father in 1908.

By 1911 Stephen was still working as a labourer and Mary was also working as an Ironer were now living at 31 Parkham Street. Of three children born to them two had died. They were living in 3 rooms, sharing the house with two other families.

Further children followed: Stephen John was born in July 1911 but died in December of that year and Ivy was born in July of 1915. Later that year Stephen enlisted in Battersea as a Private with the London Regiment and given the service number of 6586. He enlisted 5 days before his 35th birthday and gave his address as 32 Granfield Street. (The same address his mother and married sister Annie were living), His occupation was listed as a builders labourer. He spent time training at the Avington Park Camp where he became physically unfit for war service. He was transferred to the 3rd Battalion Labourer Corps with a new service number of 139643 on 30th June 1917 and put on light duties.

Stephen was discharged from the army on 10th December 1917 after serving for almost two years. Diagnosed with stomach cancer he died on 2nd March 1918 aged 37. He was buried in Morden Cemetery, Garth Road and his name also appears on a stone memorial in the churchyard.