James Stokes

Story:
James Stokes was born at East Orchard, Shaftesbury, Dorset, on 5th July 1897, the son of Stephen Nehemiah and Eliza Stokes.  He lived most of his life in the vicinity.  He enlisted and joined the Dorset (Queen's Own) Yeomanry (Service No. 1416) later transferring to the Corps of Hussars (Service No. 230680).  He served in Egypt from 6 Nov 1915 and was promoted to Lance Corporal.   He was eventually discharged on 22nd March 1919 and awarded the Victory and British War medals as well as the 1915 Star.  The 1921 Census shows he had returned to East Orchard and was living with his parents working as an Agrcultural Labourer. His marriage to Irene Violet Foyle was registered in Shaftesbury, Dorset, during 1929 and they went on to have at least two children.  By the 1939 Register he is shown living at Greens Farm Cottage, Margaret Marsh, Shaftesbury, described as a Dairy Farmer and Rabbit Trapper.  His death was registered at Salisbury, Wiltshire, Registry in 1981 and he was buried at Margaret Marsh on 8 Dec 1981.