Their bodies are buried in peace; but their names liveth for evermore.

Their Duty Done

A tribute to the men and women of the East Gippsland Region who Died as a result of their participation in World War One : 1914 -1919

Born in Lancashire, England, Samuel came to Australia in 1913 having worked in England as a colliery fireman. It is not known why he came to Australia but he settled in Orbost and was working as a farm labourer. He was 32 years old, although he claimed to have been 27 years old, when he enlisted in February 1916 with the 39 th  Battalion and sailed out of Melbourne on 27 May 1916. He arrived in Devonport, England on 18 July and his battalion was transferred to Larkhill. While at Larkhill Samuel was absent without leave on two occasions and it may be that he seized the opportunity to visit family whom he hadn’t seen for a few years. He forfeited nine days pay as penalty. On 23 November his battalion proceeded overseas to France from the port at Southampton and he was killed in action two months later on 28 January 1917. He was buried at Cite Bonjean Military Cemetery, Armentieres. It can only be hoped that he did abscond to see his family before losing his life so soon after returning to his native home.