Wednesday 29 April 2015

Woodhead, Samuel - Private (13197)

Pte Samuel Woodhead
Duke of Wellington's
West Riding Regiment,
Died 9th June 1917
Age 36

Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery

Newspaper Reports:
AT REST AT REMY
"A Grave and a cross for a gallant Haslingden Man"
Mrs. Hoyle, of 265 Vine Terrace, Haslingden, has received news of the death of her brother, Private Samuel Woodhead.
Deceased, who was 36 years of age, had been in France over two years, and he was wounded during the first big push on the Somme in July last, He was sent to Pike law Hospital and he returned to the front last October.
A letter conveying the sad news to his wife is dated June 9th and reads as follows:- "Dear Madam, I am very sorry to tell you that your husband was brought to hospital yesterday dangerously wounded in the head.  Everything possible was done to relieve him, but he died at four o'clock this afternoon, never having been conscious since admission.  To-morrow at two o'clock he will be buried in the Military Cemetery at Remy.  There will be a cross placed on his grave, with his name and regiment".
By the same post Mrs. Woodhead received a letter written by her husband just before going into battle.  It was found on him afterwards.  In it was the following passage:- "It is a beautiful day, and you would not think there was a war on; but all the same the Huns are going to get it hot in one of the most terrible battles in the history of the World"
Up to leaving Haslingden about 11 years ago the deceased attended Trinity Baptist Church, was a member of the young men's class, and his name is on the roll of honour.

Newspaper Memorial Notices:
In loving memory of our dear Brother, Pte. Samuel Woodhead, West Riding Regt., who died of wounds in a military hospital in France on June 9th 1917.

"His heart was good, his spirit brave,
His resting place a soldier's grave;
Without a smile or a shake of the hand,
He's left us for a better land.

from his Sister and Family, 265 Vine Terrace, Grane Road, Haslingden.

In loving memory of our dear Brother

"Sleep on, dear brother, in a soldier's grave,
Your life for your country you nobly gave,
No loved ones near you to say good-bye,
But in God's keeping you safely lie.

Your King and country called you,
The call was not in vain,
On Britain's roll of honour,
You'll find our hero's name

from his Sister and Family, 265 Vine Terrace, Grane Road, Haslingden.