Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of John Stevenson a furnace labourer, born 1850 in Asfordby, Leicestershire, and his wife Harriett Stevenson (nee Millband, married in the 4th quarter of 1872 in the Nottingham district), born 1852 in Sproxton, Leicestershire. Ernest was born on the 30th September 1890 in Asfordby, and was baptised on the 2nd November 1890 in Asfordby, his siblings were, Joseph, a furnace labourer, born 1874, Alfred, an agricultural labourer, born 1875, Harry, an agricultural labourer, born 1879, Arthur, a schoolboy, born 1883, John Graves, born 1887 and Adeliza, born 1889, all his siblings were born in Asfordby, in April 1891 the family home was at Main Street, Asfordby. Ernest’s father died in the 3rd quarter of 1900 aged 50, in the Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire district. In March 1901 Ernest was residing in the family home at Main Street, Asfordby, together with his siblings, Joseph, a general labourer, Adeliza, and John, an agricultural labourer. Ernest’s mother died in the 3rd quarter of 1902 aged 50, in the Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire district. Ernest was married to Elizabeth Stevenson, 66, Station Road, Langley Mill, Derbyshire.
Ernest enlisted into the Royal Navy to serve for the duration of hostilities on the 1st November 1915, he was allocated the service number J/46359 in Portsmouth, Hants. His medical examination recorded that he was 5 foot 5½ inches in height and he had a chest measurement of 38½ inches, his hair colour was auburn and he had grey eyes, his complexion was described as sallow, it was noted that he had a crucifix tattoo on his chest, a sailor on his left arm and “Norman” on his right forearm, he gave his trade or calling as collier. His record of service began when he joined HMS Victory I as an Ordinary Seaman on the 1/11/15 – 27/1/16. HMS Malaya, 28/1/16 – 31/5/16, when he was lost in action during the Battle of Jutland.
The background relating to the circumstances in which Ernest lost his life are as follows. HMS Malaya served in Admiral Hugh Evan-Thomas’5th battle Squadron of the Grand Fleet. She took part in the Battle of Jutland on the 31st May 1916, where she was hit eight times and took major damage and heavy crew casualties. A total of 65 men died, in the battle or later of their injuries.
On Friday June 23rd 1916 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “MELTON AND THE WAR.” – ASFORDBY VICTIM OF NAVAL BATTLE. Official news has been received that Gunner E. Stephenson, son of the late Mr. J. Stephenson, of Asfordby, was killed in the Naval battle of Jutland. The deceased joined the Navy in September, 1915, having previously served in the Sherwood Foresters. He was 26 years of age, and leaves a widow and one child. The chaplain of the Dreadnought “Malaya,” in writing to his relatives, stated that the deceased was killed by gun fire.
On Friday June 8th 1917 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS” – IN MEMORIAM.- In ever loving memory of our dear brother. Ernest Stevenson, who lost his life aboard H.M.S. Malaya in the Jutland Battle, May 31st 1916. Yours is an everlasting name. Your monument the sea. But not till England’s day is done. Shall Englishmen forget. Like the ivy on the withered oak. When all things else decay. Our love for him will still keep green. And never fade away. From his loving brothers and sisters, home and abroad.