Samuel's Story.
Samuel was the son of Thomas and Louise Elizabeth Johnson. He initially worked at the Castner Kellner works in Runcorn, but then in 1908 enlisted in the Kings Liverpool Regiment, serving for 18 months before being discharged on medical grounds.He returned to Runcorn, and was then employed at the Salt Union Works at Weston Point.
At the outbreak of the war he joined the Royal Garrison Artillery on 31st October 1914, and after 5 months of training went out to France. He served with the 20th Siege Battery, whose task was to destroy enemy artillery, supply routes, railways and stores. They were equipped with heavy howitzer guns firing large calibre 4,6,8 or 9.2 inch shells in a high trajectory.
He was not wounded but discharged on health grounds on 12th December 1915, suffering from kidney disease. He was awarded the Silver War badge.
During 1916, he was in bed at home for 15 to 16 weeks, during which time he had been depressed and on one or two occasions had left the house at night in his night atire. He was admitted to the Cottage Hospital in Runcorn, but after 5 or 6 weeks, tragically took his own life, cutting his throat with a razor.
At the inquest, the jury found that Samuel committed sucide whilst of unsound mind, and expressed their sympathy to the relatives.
Samuel is buried in section 12 Grave 690
Compiled by Graeme Ainsworth with assistance from Percy Dunbavand.