Stephens, Charles Wesley

Charles Stephens was born on July 29, 1904 in Ballyjamesduff, Ireland to parents George and Anna Stephens. He spent his childhood in Ireland with his sisters. When he was just fourteen, his parents passed away and he left school to find employment. In 1926, Charles immigrated to Canada and made his home in Southern Alberta. At time of enlistment, he was single and working on a farm near Lethbridge. On October 28, 1942, Charles Stephens enlisted for service with the Royal Canadian Artillery at Calgary. He spent the next ten months training in Canada, eventually being posted in Halifax. While in Nova Scotia, Gunner Stephens contracted a severe case of scarlet fever. He was hospitalized in May 1943, but his condition continued to worsen. On August 15, 1943, Gunner Stephens passed away from complication due to scarlet fever. He was laid to rest at Fort Massey Cemetery. For his wartime service, Gunner Stephens was awarded the War Medal and Canadian Volunteer Service Medal