Samuel's Story.
The 1901 Census confirms that Samuel's parents were Peter, aged 56 and working as a mechanic's labourer at a mill and Mary, aged 50. It suggests he had an older brother, Ralph, then aged 32 and working as a cotton spinner. Samuel was also working as a mechanic's labourer, but later, went to work as a labourer for the London & North Western Railway Company at Heaton Norris station. He is commemorated on the LNWR's Roll of Honour. Samuel had been a member of the Cheshire Volunteer Force in the early years of the 20th century, and he remained a member when it became the Territorial Force in 1909. However, he must have left the Territorials some time before the war, as he was not mobilised with the other members of the 6th Cheshires. His service number indicates that he enlisted in August 1914, within days of war being declared on the 4th. After training, he joined the 1st Battalion 2nd January 1915. Samuel was taken prisoner not long before he died. On the day he died, he sent his mother a postcard saying that he had been treated well and was recovering from a wound.
