HALL Samuel

Samuel Hall lived at 30 Birmingham Street, Stourbridge, with his parents and attended St. John’s Schools.  He had been employed for 16 years at Simms the fishmonger in the High Street.  He enlisted in the Worcester Territorials in March 1916 and joined the 1/8th Battalion.  The battalion saw some severe fighting in the Battle of the Somme and he probably took part in the battle for the Transloy Ridges in October.  In April 1917 they were part of the forces following up the German withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line.  On the 4th April they achieved a notable success by taking the hill at Templeux Guerard.  After several skirmishes with the enemy their Division, the 48th, was asked to capture Gillemont Farm, a stronghold on a prominent spur near the Line which the Germans were keen to defend.  On the 24th April the 1/8th managed to seize the position but suffered in the inevitable German counter attack.  There were 148 casualties and among those seriously wounded was Private Samuel Hall.  His left arm had been shattered by a shell and had to be amputated.  He returned to England for further treatment at the military hospital at Netley.  He died in the hospital of blood poisoning on the 6th May 1917.  His body was brought home to Stourbridge for burial.  He is also commemorated on the Methodist church memorial.