Second Lieutenant Stephen Alfred Warner MC
Stephen trained in law and at the start of WW1 he joined the Royal Army Medical Corps as Private 61316 Warner.
At about 2am on 3rd February 1918 Second Lt Warner led a small party to raid and enemy post in the German lines. During the raid he killed one German Soldier, took four others prisoner and even took a German light machine gun from the position. Their party returned to the British lines at 5am with the prisoners having suffered just two minor injuries.
On 26th March 1918 the London Gazette announced the award of a Military Cross and on 24th August 1918 they carried the below citation.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.
He carried out two daring reconnaissances before a raid,
which contributed largely to the success of the enterprise.
During the raid he led his men with splendid courage and
determination.
He also maintained a house at Alton , Hampshire where he was joint curator of the Curtis Museum.
Stephen kept a diary throughout the war which includes a collection of pressed flowers from France – Stephen was a keen botanist and horticulturalist.
He was an avid collector of antiquary, especially that related to Alton and Essex.
He died on 24 June 1948 at Alton, leaving his
wife Winifred Warner. They had no children.
The Lowewood Museum has many articles, relating to
Stephen including his fascinating diaries and his Military
Cross, within its collection.
Visitors are welcome to call at the museum which is located at High Street, Hoddesden, EN11 8BH.