Private Samuel Barrett
Samuel Barrett was born on 17 November 1898 at Ballyhartfield, Templepatrick, County Antrim, the fifth of seven children of farmer Joseph Barrett and his wife Mary (née Jamison). By the time of the 1911 Census he was living at Ballyhartfield with his parents and five surviving siblings. In 1913 he commenced a five-year linen trade apprenticeship with linen manufacturer James A. Thompson & Co. of Hope Street, Belfast.
Barrett enlisted in the North Irish Horse at Belfast on 8 February 1915 (No.1443). He gave his age as 19, overstating his true age by three years. The next day his mother wrote to the regiment seeking his discharge due to his age, later providing a copy of his birth certificate and details of his employment.
On 19 February 1915 Barrett was discharged 'having made a mis-statement as to age on enlistment' (paragraph 392 (vi), King's Regulations). His military character was recorded as 'good'.
On 10 June 1930 Barrett married Agnes Wilhelmina Bryson. He died at 'The Croft', Ballycushan, Templepatrick, on 7 March 1949, and was buried in the Templepatrick Churchyard.
Ballymena Weekly Telegraph, 18 March 1949