Military History

Samuel is listed as dying of wounds received in action on 21st August 1918. He was buried at Pernes which at the time was used by the 1st and 4th Canadian Casualty Clearing Stations; 6th, 13th and 22nd Clearing Stations, we do not know which of them Samuel died at. The 2nd Battalion war diary shows that he was originally wounded on the 10th August at Hinges and the war diary entries for the period 9th to 11th August are transcribed below.

Hinges – 9 Aug 1918: Captain H.A. Gales MC wounded badly in the head about 6am. Line advanced during the day, chiefly on the right. On the left hostile machine gun posts delayed our patrols and prevented them pushing without undue casualties. Several casualties were caused by gas shelling and also by machine guns and snipers.

Hinges – 10 Aug 1918: In the early morning a forward patrol under 2nd Lt Sillars located enemy machine gun post in field S. of Vert Bois Farm. Leaving a portion of his patrol to keep in touch with enemy 2/Lt Sillars returned to Company H.Q to organise the attack. Under the covering for of a Lewis Gun on his right flank and 4 rifle bombers firing no 35 R.B.’s from the cup discharger on his left flank 2/Lt Sillars accompanied by 2/Lt Strothers led the rifle section to the attack and rushed the post.

The enemy fought stubbornly and refused to surrender – 12 of them were killed and 2 taken prisoner, none escaping. While it lasted the fight was fierce. Several of the enemy were knocked on the head with rifle butts. He displayed considerable skill both in the tactical disposition of his small force and in the intelligent use of the various platoon weapons at his disposal.

Both 2/Lt Sillars and 2/Lt Strothers led the men with great courage and dash and much needed and valuable identification was secured showing that the 2^nd Guards Reserve Regiment were along our front. Both [of these] officers were unfortunately wounded.

During the day we also had the following casualties: 2/Lt’s T.C. Bellott; S.C. Jenkins; F.J. Yells all wounded, 2/Lt F.S. Coryn went down badly gassed.

Battalion was relieved on the night 10/11^th by 9^th Welch after having advanced our line in all about 100 yards.

Chocques – 11 Aug 1918: Battalion arrived in Brigade Reserve at Chocques. Day spent resting & reorganising.