Lance Corporal Samuel David Humphries
Samuel David Humphries was born on 14 May 1886 at Derrymacash, Lurgan, County Armagh, the last of three children of weaver John Humphries and his wife Anne (nee Dougherty). His father died when he was just nine years old. By the time of the 1911 Census he was living with his mother and sister in Victoria Street, Lurgan, and working as a cambric power loom weaver.
Humphries enlisted in the North Irish Horse between 29 October and 16 November 1912 (No.755 – later Corps of Hussars No.71094). When he embarked for France is not certain. One record states that it was with D Squadron on 1 May 1915, but he does not appear to have been awarded a 1914-15 Star, suggesting that he did not embark until 1916 or later.
Humphries served in France until the end of the war, although whether with the North Irish Horse for the entire time is not clear. He may have been attached to the Military Mounted Police in the latter period.
Having returned to the UK on 25 January 1919, Humphries joined the Military Foot Police (in August 1919), with the rank of lance corporal (No. P/18286).
After the war Humphries returned to Lurgan and worked as a post office linesman. On 17 April 1926 he married Jane Bethel. He died at his home, 118 Victoria Street, Lurgan, on 14 January 1956.
Humphries' brother William John (below) also served in the war, in the Royal Irish Rifles and Royal Irish Fusiliers.
William John Humphries
Image sourced from Ancestry public member trees, contributor 'darrynfisher'.