Birth

Enlistment Information

Military Service

Embarkation Information

Military Awards

Death

Biographical Notes

John Stevenson was born on 26 January 1871 at Oamaru, the second son of James Orr and Elizabeth (nee Kae) Stevenson, of York Street, Timaru. James from Renfrewshire, Scotland and Elizabeth from Galashiels, Scotland married at First Church, Dunedin in September 1867. They had twelve children, the first two born at Oamaru, the next at Dunedin, and all thereafter at Timaru. Agnes was born in Dunedin and died at Timaru in April 1873 at 14 weeks; the twins (Isabella Julia and Matilda Augusta) born in 1882 both died in 1883, aged one year and 15 months respectively; Margaret Hannah died in 1887 at 7 weeks. Private Walter Stevenson, the fourth son, served with the Seventh Contingent in South Africa and was killed in action on 23 February 1902. Private Charles Edward Stevenson, the youngest son, was killed in action at Gallipoli on 8 May 1915. Elizabeth (John’s mother) died at her Timaru residence (York Street) on 25 July 1898 after a long illness; James Orr (his father) at the Timaru Hospital on 17 October 1907. John’s father had taken a prominent part in volunteering and was one of the original members of the Garrison Band. John started at Timaru Main School in 1876 and went to the country in April 1884. At the Public School (Timaru Main) in 1881, John shared the prize for Neatest Exercise Book in Class V.

John Stevenson took a prominent part in defence matters during the old volunteer days and followed a military career for many years, serving within New Zealand in World War One. Having enrolled with the Timaru Naval Artillery Volunteers on 31 January 1894, Corporal (or Sergeant) John Stevenson was deemed Efficient (i.e. active – sufficient number of parades) in 1894, 1895 and 1896. He was discharged on 12 July 1897. Enrolling with Timaru City Rifles (C Battery) on 23 November 1897, he was classified Efficient in 1897, 1898 and 1899. He transferred to the Waimate Volunteer Rifles on 10 June 1900, Efficient there in 1900, 1901-02, 1902-03, 1903-04, 1904-05, 1905-06. Transferring back to the Timaru Rifle Volunteers on 2 July 1906, he was recorded Efficient in 1906-07, 1907-08, 1908-09, 1909-10, 1910-11. He had been still serving as of 12 November 1911 and was Efficient up to date. He was in possession the NZ Volunteer Service Medal for 12 years. A squad of “flag-waggers” from the Timaru City Rifles — Corporal J. Stevenson and Sergeant Macdonald at the grounds, and Privates T. Hendry and D. Brown on our office roof — exercised their art this afternoon in a useful manner by signalling for us the results of the events at the Amateur Athletic Club’s sports. The weather was not quite favourable for the purpose, the atmosphere being hazy. [South Canterbury Times, 12 May 1898.] The squad of flag-signallers at work yesterday, in spite of an unfavourable atmosphere, did good work between the sports ground and our office. The results (which would have been impossible but for their assistance) of all the races were correctly sent and read, and we were enabled to publish the results up to the last. Corporal John Stevenson was in charge of the squad, and made all arrangements. [South Canterbury Times, 13 May 1898.]

In September 1900, a signalling squad was started in connection with the Studholme Mounted Rifles and Private J. Stevenson, of the Waimate Rifles, who had so successfully brought on the squad in that corps, was appointed instructor. On 15 June 1906, Mr John Stevenson, of Waimate. an old Timaru boy who was proud of Caroline Bay, forwarded to the Mayor a bundle of lancewood trees to plant somewhere about the Bay. John was, indeed, in Timaru, a sail maker, in the 1890s, and then at Waimate for some years in the early 1900s, before returning to the family home in York Street, Timaru, where he still resided in 1914. Sergeant John Stevenson was awarded the New Zealand Volunteer Service Medal (12 years) in 1908; the NZ Long and Efficient Service Medal (16 Years) in 1912; and the Colonial Auxiliary Forces Long Service Medal (2 years) in 1916. In November 1915, the long service medal was to be awarded to Sergeant-Major John Stevenson, No. 500, 2nd (South Canterbury) Regiment, whose service totalled 21 years 27l days.

When John Stevenson attested at Nelson on 29 March 1917, he was classified C2 (permanently unfit for active service but fit for service in New Zealand) and granted leave without pay from the New Zealand Expeditionary Force until further notice. A Temporary Non-Commissioned Officer attached to the New Zealand Permanent Staff, he attested again at Nelson on 13 July 1917, when he was still single. His address was Metropolitan Hotel, Bridge Street, Nelson. An electric linesman and tent maker employed by the Timaru Borough Council, he was at the time employed by the Defence Department. He had served with the Timaru Naval Artillery for 3 years, the Timaru City Rifles for 4 years, the Waimate Rifles for 6 years, the Timaru Rifles for 7½ years, and had been with the NZ Permanent Staff (Temporary) for 17 months (from 17 February 1916). As of 17 February 1916, Sergeant-Instructor (temporary) J. Stevenson, Nelson, was entitled to a special allowance. A Non-Commissioned Officer, he had been appointed Temporary Instructor on 11 February 1916.

John married Timaru-born Ethel Grace Dobier, who was born on 29 November 1892 and so was more than 20 years younger than John, on 25 July 1917 at Nelson. As of 29 May 1918, Sergt-Instructor Stevenson was to report in Trentham Camp for a course of Engineer’s instruction for two months, then to Featherston for a course of instruction with Divisional Signallers. If satisfactory, he would be posted to Canterbury District as District Signalling Instructor. Part of his time would be devoted to instructing Post and Telegraph Engineers. Owing to a Course of Instruction being held at Picton, however, the services of Stevenson could not be dispensed with for the purpose of allowing him to proceed to camp for a course of instruction until 21 August. There he was in Camp in September but had not received any pay for August, having been last paid in Nelson for July. It appears that the August pay had been sent then repaid to Public Account. On 5 October 1918, RSM J. Stevenson, NZPS Temps, informed the Pay Office that he left Nelson for duty in Trentham on 17 August 1918, but he had received no pay since 31 July. He had been transferred to Featherson on 3 October. A cheque for his August (£15/16/8) and September pay was duly posted for Sergeant Instructor J. Stevenson on 17 October. As Stevenson had completed his course of instruction, the Camp Commandant at Featherston was to arrange for him to report to Headquarters, Canterbury Military District. He had been undergoing a special Course of Instruction as an Engineer Instructor. It was expected that he would be posted for duty on or about 1 November. He actually commenced duty in Canterbury on 24 October 1918. In November the October salary for Sergeant Major J. Stevenson was to be forwarded to Christchurch.

On 14 January 1919, it was noted that R.S.M. (Regimental Sergeant-Major) J. Stevenson, Featherston, had over-drawn one day’s Messing Allowance for the month of October 1918 and a refund was to be made. Sergeant Instructor John Stevenson was appointed to the New Zealand Permanent Staff on 1 October 1918. The suggestion that Staff Sergeant J. Stevenson be appointed Engineer Instructor with the Canterbury Military District was approved in February 1919. From 17 February he received a pay increase. During his course at the Signal School, RSM J. Stevenson had “carried out the duties of Assistant Instructor in visual signalling in a satisfactory manner. Later he was sent out with Signal Stations in the field and studied the methods of setting up Stations, picking up distant and unknown stations, also Signal Office routine. His weak point is telephony and he was given every chance to study this subject in particular both at demonstrations and lectures.”

J. Stevenson and six others of the temporary staff were to attend the selection camp at Trentham on 1 October 1919. They ceased duty (in Canterbury) on 30 September and their rates of pay on demobilization would be lower. On 6 December 1919 at the General Headquarters School at Trentham, RSM John Stevenson indicated, if he was accepted for Appointment to Forces, that he would prefer the NZAS Infantry at Christchurch as a Musketry Instructor. A Medical Board was assembled at Trentham Military Hospital on 17 December 1919. RSM J. Stevenson was affected by a haematoma of his left leg, which had been caused by physical training and was painful on walking. He was improving but was not fit for Active Service. His disability was likely to continue for 14 days. It was recommended that he return to duty but be excused parades for 14 days. He was given permission to withdraw from Camp and issued with a Camp Clearance Certificate, leaving camp on 18 December. He received all necessary travelling warrants to take him to his destination (Christchurch).

In late January 1920, a form for appointment to NZ Staff Corps and NZ Permanent Staff was forwarded to S/Sgt J. Stevenson. He had been notified that he had been appointed to the New Zealand Permanent Staff in the rank of Staff Sergeant as from 1/9/18 and had been posted to Canterbury District for duty. Staff Sergeant John Stevenson attested for General Service on 15 March 1920 at Christchurch. His next-of-kin was his wife – Ethel Grace Stevenson, 25 Dunn Street, Spreydon, Christchurch. He had served for 22 years with the Volunteers and Territorials, being awarded 12, 16 and 20 years service medals, and 4 years with the NZ Permanent Staff. He had been previously rejected as unfit for military service as he was over age. When he was medically examined at Trentham, he was passed Fit. The examination was conducted in 1919, it appears, John being 48 years of age. He stood at 5 feet 9 inches, weighed 147 pounds, and had a chest measurement of 34-40 inches. His complexion was fresh, his eyes blue, and his hair dark brown. His sight, hearing and colour vision were all good, his limbs and chest well formed, his heart and lungs normal. He was almost free from diseases, having only slight varicose veins, and was in good bodily and mental health. He bore tattoos on his right leg and left hand, and a scar on his left thigh. He had been an electric linesman and tent maker for the Timaru Borough Council. From 1 April 1920, S/S J. Stevenson received an increase in annual pay. It had been recommended that he be detailed as Instructor for the South Island Railway Battalion.

Staff Sergeant J. Stevenson was released from duty with the South Island Railway Battalion from 19 February 1922. He was granted leave from 20 February 1922 to 17 March, with instructions to report for duty to H.Q. Southern Command on 18 March. Sergt. Instr. John Stevenson, N.Z.P.S., wrote thus from Christchurch on 13 April 1922 – “I have the honour to apply to have my name included in the list of Staff Instructors recently retrenched, for the following reason: My wife is of a very nervous disposition and I find my parade duties, which necessitate my being away from home so many nights a week, are having a very injurious effect on my wife’s health. I therefore respectfully request that my application be given favourable consideration.” His retirement was approved from 22 April 1922. He was to be given three months’ notice of retirement, his final date of discharge to be 21 July 1922. He would also be granted one month’s retiring leave during that period. An N.C.O. of technical ability would be required to fill Sergeant Major Stevenson’s place as Instructor and Quartermaster-Sergeant, Engineer Depot. To whom it may concern, from General Headquarters, Wellington, dated 21 May 1922 – This is to certify that Staff Sergeant J. Stevenson served in the Defence Department from 1/10/1919 to 21/7/1922, during which period he performed the duties of an Instructor in an entirely satisfactory manner. He has a good military record, is an efficient and capable officer, has proved himself to be a good Instructor, and has thorough knowledge of Departmental Administration and office routine. I feel sure that he can be trusted to fill a civil appointment, suited to his capabilities, with credit. He is leaving the service through no fault of his own, but entirely on account of the Government’s policy to effect economies in Military expenditure, and this Department regrets having to lose the services of such a capable and efficient officer.”

On discharge on 21 July 1922, on completion of limited engagement and in consequence of reduction in staff, John went to Russell Square, Timaru. There he was at Russell Square (C/o Mrs T. Dobin) in July 1923 when he was advised that the Government had decided to grant a special retiring allowance to members of the Defence who were compulsorily retired in 1921/22. His allowance was £71.5.0, which he duly acknowledged. In September 1923, John Stevenson stated that he had been in constant work on the staff of the Timaru Municipal Electric Light Depot since the date of his retirement from the N.Z.P.S.

John and Ethel Grace Stevenson were in Christchurch in 1919, then with Ethel’s mother in 1922, before moving to their own home in Heaton Street, Timaru. They had four children – Ivy Elizabeth Joyce (known as Joyce) who was born in September 1921; Jack born in March 1924; Charles Walter Richard born in November 1927; and George Dobier born in July 1930. Ethel Grace Stevenson, the beloved wife of John, died at Timaru on 28 July 1930, four days after the birth of her fourth child. Just 37 years old, she was buried at Timaru Cemetery. A few days later, John published a Thanks notice – On behalf of my family and relatives I wish to gratefully acknowledge the many loving messages of sympathy received during our recent sad bereavement. He also thanked nurses (hospital) and doctors. Ethel was remembered affectionately by her husband and children in 1931, 1932, 1933 and 1934 – “To Memory Ever Dear.” John Stevenson died at Timaru Hospital on 6 April 1935, aged 64 years, and was to be interred privately with Ethel at the Timaru Cemetery. “The funeral of Mr J. Stevenson, one of the oldest rifle shots in Timaru. took place at the Timaru Cemetery yesterday morning [8 April 1935]. Mr Stevenson had been a very keen rifleman, volunteer and bandsman. He was most thorough in anything he took on and was most highly respected by all who knew him and will be very much missed among his many friends. The bearers at the funeral were members of the South Island Miniature Rifle Association: — Pres. W. Duncan (South Canterbury Association), Mr R. A. Rodgers (Timaru Association), Mr W. Malcolm (Timaru Club). Mr J. Toneycliffe and Mr Blackwood (St. Patrick’s Rifle Club) and Vice-Pres. C. H. Johnson. When the members of the Timaru Defence Rifle Club had a practice shoot on 6 April, the president referred to the death that morning of the late Rifleman J. Stevenson, and members stood in silence as a mark of respect. Before the season opening of the Timaru Miniature Rifle Club on 7 April, the club captain made reference to the death of Mr John Stevenson, a former member of many years standing, a rifle shot of repute, and a good sportsman. On his call members stood to attention in silence in token of esteem. At a meeting of the Timaru Borough Council on 8 April, reference was made to the death of Mr J. Stevenson who for 18 years was a member of the council staff and a motion of condolence with the relatives was carried in silence. The relatives of the late John Steveson published an acknowledgement on 9 April, thanking all kind friends for sympathy in their recent bereavement.

Thus, four young children were orphaned, the eldest only 13 years old and the youngest 4. Joyce who started at Timaru South School in 1927, went to Pukeuri a few days before her mother died, then returned to Timaru South in September 1930. She was in the care of the Presbyterian Home in North Street when she was admitted to Timaru Main School in 1933. Jack was admitted to Timaru South a few weeks before his fifth birthday then re-admitted three weeks after his birthday. In 1933 he was admitted to Timaru West School (as John). Perhaps he was in the care of St Saviour’s Home. Charles was in the care of St Saviour’s Home when he was admitted to Timaru West School in 1934. George was in the care of his grandmother, Mrs Dobier, when he was admitted to Timaru South School in 1936. By his will signed on 7 July 1933, John bequeathed his watch with watch chain and medal attached to his eldest son Jack. All books, shooting trophies and medals whether military or otherwise were to go to his daughter Ivy Elizabeth Joyce and his three sons Jack, Charles Walter Richard and George Dobier in equal shares; all jewellery owned by his late wife and his wedding presents to his daughter; all plate, linen, china, glass, pictures, prints, furniture to his sister Bessie (Elizabeth Merion Stevenson). The residue of his estate was to be held in trust for his children. The Public Trustee administered the property according to the provisions of the Will. John’s assets, consisting of Post Office Savings Bank account, cash in possession, furniture, jewellery, life policy and Lodge benefit amounted to £259.14.8.

The Stevenson family military tradition was strong. John’s brother Walter Stevenson was killed in action in 1902 in the South African War. Another brother, Charles Edward Stevenson, was killed in action in 1915 at the Dardanelles. William Frederick Stevenson was a freezing works foreman at Hastings when he was listed on the World War One Reserve Rolls. His nephew, Frederick William Stevenson (son of James Stevenson), also served in World War One and was awarded the Military Medal and Bar. John’s own son served in World War Two (Jayforce) – Charles Walter Richard Stevenson, as did a nephew - Alfred John Stevenson (son of James). Charles’ next-of-kin was his sister, Joyce Dix. Lloyd Ansley Tait, a grandson of John’s eldest brother James Stevenson, was killed in action in the Western Desert in 1941.

Sources

NZ Defence Force Personnel Records (ancestry.co.au; Archives NZ Collections – Record number 0109245) [04 January 2026; 06 January 2026]; NZ BDM Indexes (Department of Internal Affairs) [13 August 2015]; Timaru Herald, 22 December 1881, 16 June 1906, 17 November 1915, 29 July 1930, 1 August 1930, 28 July 1931, 28 July 1932, 28 July 1933, 28 July 1934, 28 July 1934, 8, 9 [x 4], & 11 April 1935, South Canterbury Times, 12 & 13 May 1898, Waimate Daily Advertiser, 13 September 1900 (Papers Past) [03 & 07 January 2026]; School Admission Records (South Canterbury Branch NZSG) [January 2026]; NZ Electoral Rolls (ancestry.com.au) [2014; January 2026]; Timaru Cemetery headstone image & burial record (Timaru District Council) [04 January 2026]; Probate record (Archives NZ Collections – Record number 56440) [05 January 2026]

External Links

• Military personnel file

Related Documents

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Researched and Written by

Teresa Scott, SC Genealogy Society

Currently Assigned to

TS