Remembered with Honour. HELLES MEMORIAL
Private Stephen John Samways Service No: 10607, ‘C’ Coy, 5th Battalion of the Dorsetshire Regiment who died on 21st August 1915 aged 19. Son of Walter and Annie E Samways of The Farmery, Chideock, Bridport, Dorset.
Certificate: BOBBETT, JOHN JOSEPH – courtesy of Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Stephen was born in Symondsbury, Dorset in 1896. He was the son of Walter and Annie Samways. In the 1901 Census he was living with his parents in Manor Cottage, North Chideock, his father’s occupation being a Groom presumably at the Manor House. In the 1911 Census the family were living at The Farmery, Hope Terrace, Chideock with his father’s occupation being listed as a ‘carrier transporting goods to Bridport’, At this time Stephen was serving a three year apprenticeship as a Butcher for a Mr. Hansford. Stephen enlisted on 3.9.1914 aged 18. On his enlistment papers he is described as 5’61/2″ with a fresh complexion, bnrown hair and hazel eyes. He had a sister Winifred.
Stephen was killed in action during the assault on Turkish trenches between Aire Kayak and Susak Kuyu, Suvia on August 21st 1915, aged 19 years.
His names is commemorated on the Helles Memorial, The Dorset Regiment Gallipoli Roll of Honour and the Chideock War Memorial.
Medals awarded: Victory Medal, British and Star.
It is understood that Stephen was a Bellringer at St.Giles Church. He is commemorated in The Great War Book of Church Bellringers. Samways S.J. Chideock Salisbury Diocesan.