Lifestory

Lifestory

1918

Sam Schofield was born in Netherthong, West Yorkshire on 12 October 1889, the fourth child and younger son of weaver John Frederick Schofield and his wife Jane. In the 1911 census,, Sam is shown living with his widowed mother and four siblings in Outlane, Netherthong, aged 21 and working as a blower in a worsted mill. We know nothing of Sam's military service other than he was awarded the Military Medal in 1918. The local newspaper carried the following article: "The distinctions conferred upon lads from the Nether Thong district for gallantry and meritorious conduct in the military field and response made by the youth of that area are, it will be generally acknowledged, of such a character as the people of that parish have every reason to be proud, and we readily give prominence to another distinction which has recently been conferred upon a Nether Thong soldier. Corporal Sam Schofield, MGC, the second son of Mrs John Schofield of Outlane, has been awarded the Military Medal. The particular reason for the award is not yet known even to his relatives. We have previously noticed that the soldier who achieves distinction is generally the most reticent as to his own good work, and the only news which had leaked out is that the award has been made for conspicuous gallantry in the recent defensive. Perhaps, when Cpl Schofield comes home on his next leave his friends may be able to extract from him some further information relative to his gallantry. Meantime we must be content with the bare record. This honour brings us up to the achievements of Nether Thong in this particular direction. Upon soldiers from the particular village there have now been conferred four distinctions, one lad having won the DCM and three the MM. That is, in itself a fine record, and the patriotism of the district is further evidenced by mention of the fact that close upon 140 lads have gone to the colours from this parish. Of these over 20 has sacrificed their lives, and there are three Nether Thong lads in enemy hands." Sam survived the war and in May, 1920 he married Annie Woodhouse of Underbank Old Road, Holmfirth. Sam was aged 30 and gave his occupation as postman. In the 1939 Register, Sam and Annie are living on Underbank Old Road and Sam's occupation is given as postman. Sam died in 1964 aged 75. Sam Schofield was the younger brother of 14241 Private Abel Hellawell Schofield of 8 Bn Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment who was killed by a sniper on 30 October 1915 whilst serving in the Dardanelles.

Created by: , Holmfirth126389

  • Profile picture for Sam Schofield

    Born 1889

    Died 1964

    British Army 97988 Corporal Machine Gun Corps