Lives of the First World War

known 1st January 1880

Private 24375, King's Own (Royal Lancaster) Regiment, 7th Battn. Born St Annes, enlisted St Annes. Killed in action on 08/10/1917. No known grave, but named in the Memorial Chapel at St Annes Parish Church, on the memorial in Ashton Gardens and on the Tyne Cot Memorial Panel 18. Samuel was the son of Thomas & Jemima and in 1911 was living with his parents and 5 siblings at 49, Church Rd. He was baptised at St. Annes Parish Church, by Rev WG Terry, on 11th November 1888, when his father Thomas was a Labourer and was married there to Mary Kirkham on 19th September 1914. Before the war he had been a Cabman employed by Thomas Whiteside and Sons. He enlisted on 9th December 1915. At the time of his death Samuel and Mary had three young children, Henry (bn 27/9/1910), Clara May (bn 3/2/1915) and Margaret Elizabeth (bn 1916), living at 14 Albert Rd, St Annes-on-Sea. As was reported in the St. Annes Express, Mrs. Eastham received a letter from Lieut A. H. Carter telling her of the circumstances of her husband’s death: “It is with great regret that I write to inform you that your husband died from the effects of a wound received on the 8th inst. I know that nothing I can say will make your sorrow any easier to bear, but I thought I ought to let you know that your husband was one of the best men I have had working with me. He met his death doing his duty. May God comfort you in your great sorrow.” Following his death Samuel’s personal effects comprising a photograph, religious book, postcards, cover for Royal Army Compendium and Address Book were returned to his family. The family later moved to 9, Alexandra Rd east, St Annes and were eventually awarded a pension of 26/3d raised from 21/- due to the birth of Margaret, which Mary had to confirm by the sending of the birth certificate. As Henry was born in 1910 well before Samuel and Mary were married, Samuel was formally asked to confirm paternity during 1916. Sources of Information CWG, Soldiers who Died, Service Record, Census, St Annes Express (photo, 26/10/17).

Created by: , Fiona12861