Private Samuel Simpson
The background of this man is not known at present. Although a number of possibilities suggest themselves in the census and birth, death and marriage records, most can be ruled out for various reasons. Perhaps the most likely, however, is the Samuel Simpson born on 10 April 1890 at Drumahoe, Glendermott, County Londonderry, the sixth of ten children of carpenter (later agricultural engineer and contractor) John Simpson and his wife Mary Anne (née Morrow). Although his age doesn't match the age given on his enlistment record, all other information, including his trade, do match. At the time of the 1911 Census he was living at Altnagelvin, Waterside, Londonderry, with his parents and five of his eight surviving siblings, and working as an engine driver.
Simpson enlisted in the North Irish Horse at Omagh on 22 November 1917 (No.2745 – later Corps of Hussars No.71999). He was described as being 5' 7¾" tall, with tattooed arms and a scar on his left thigh. He stated that he was aged 19, was born in Glendermott, County Londonderry, and worked as an engine driver.
Simpson was reported to have deserted from the regiment's reserve base at Antrim on 8 July 1918. It is not known if he was subsequentially apprehended.
This page last updated 25 February 2024.