2nd not 1st: Essex 1899-1914 (6th ed)

Stedman, Charles Mathew (1885-1954) Born 31 March 1885, Leytonstone, Essex. Died 9 February 1954, Sidmouth, Devon Played 1910. Charles was the son of James Mathew Stedman, a stock jobber, and Marguerite Adele White. He was baptised at Thurston in Suffolk, where his uncle Paul was the vicar. He was educated at Leytonstone College and the Mercers’ School Holborn. In 1912 at St Stephen Walbrook he married Helen Stewart Walker-Arnott, an elementary school teacher who was the daughter of a mariner, and in 1919 they had daughter Helen M. From 1900 to 1906, Charles was trained as an engineer at the Great Eastern Railway Mechanics Institute in Stratford, which was the site of the company’s main engineering works. In 1909 he gave evidence in a case of suspected suicide on the line, explaining that the driver would have had a clear view of the track but would not have been able to stop in time. He worked his way up the career ladder as inspector, foreman, superintendent and chief assistant, with control of traffic and loco running. He did not serve in the forces during the Great War, because his occupation would have been reserved as essential to the war effort. When in 1923 railways were grouped into four main companies, Stedman was appointed Assistant Locomotive Running Superintendent to the London and North Eastern Railway’s Southern Area. In 1926 he was transferred to a similar post in York, responsible for 2,000 locos and 10,000 staff. In 1929 he became a Member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, and among those supporting his admission was the famous locomotive engineer Sir Nigel Gresley. He was also a council member of the Institute of Transport. In 1931 he was promoted to Locomotive Running Superintendent, a job he held until his retirement. In 1947 Stedman was awarded the OBE, possibly for his contribution to the war effort. His brother George Foster Stedman won the MC and was later knighted for his work in the civil service, and his cousin Leslie Foster Stedman was also knighted. Charles retired to Sidmouth where he died in 1954, leaving £2522. Stedman was a useful all-round cricketer who played for various clubs including his railway works team. After the Great War, he transferred his allegiance to golf. His sole appearance for Essex 2 nd XI was in the 1910 innings victory over Norfolk, when he scored 18 from no.5 and in the second innings took 3 for 21 in 17 overs. Batting and fielding record M I NO RUNS AVE 100s 50s CT ST Friendly 1 1 18 18.00 1 Bowling Balls M R W 5wI 10wM Friendly 102 9 21 3 Highest score: 18. Best bowling: 3-21.