Samuel Washington's Story.
Born Newcastle-under-Lyme, March 3, 1898. Son of Caroline Lawton of 18, Nile Street, Crewe. Former pupil of Edleston Road School. Prior to enlisting, had worked in the Boiler Shop, Crewe Works as a boilermaker. Joined the Royal Navy on March 22, 1915 and was transferred to HMS Indefatigable on June 23, 1915. During Jutland, Indefatigable, of the 2nd Battle Cruiser Squadron, was struck by two direct hits from the German battle cruiser Von Der Tann - one struck the forecastle and the other exploding on the fore turret. Seconds later the ship’s magazine blew up, due to the lack of anti-flash doors, resulting in only two survivors from a ship’s complement of 1,012. He is listed as Boy 1st Class on the Crewe War Memorial.
Service record available.
Uploaded by Mark A. Potts on January 10, 2018.