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Private Samuel Black

 

 

Samuel Black of Hill Street, Lurgan, County Armagh, was born in 1895 or 1896. He was the eldest son of Robert and Ellen Black. His father was a car owner and driver. He enlisted in the North Irish Horse on 1 September 1914 (Service No.1095) and embarked for France on 28 April 1915 with D Squadron. He was discharged to Z Class Army Reserve at Dublin on 25 February 1919. Both Samuel's brothers, Joseph and Robert, also served during the war, although it is not known in which regiments.

Private Black is standing (viewer's right) in the picture above. It is not known whether the other men are his brothers. The picture below, which recently appeared in the Lurgan Mail, shows soldiers convalescing from their injuries at (it is believed) Waringfield in Moira. Black is indicated with the arrow. He is not wearing 'hospital blues' so is unlikely to have been a patient.

 

 

   

 

 

During the war a poem was written extolling the virtues of the servicemen of Hill Street, Lurgan. It reads in part:

There's the 'Greagor' bard and his farmyard

A place where we had much enjoyment.

There's the Watsons', 'Red George' and 'Fred'

Who never were, out of employment.

There's Robert Black's 'Three Strapping Sons'

Who looked so well upon the hansom.

There's 'Ginuef' and his chum 'McGrath'

For work, were worth, their weight in ransom.

...

Success to all both short and tall

When in the fray may luck attend them.

With sword and gun they'll crush the Hun

Their cause is just, God will defend them.

Their county's call they answered all

They never thought of gain or losses.

And we hope ere long they will return

And on their breasts Victoria Crosses.

 

Images and much of the information above kindly provided by Adele Cosgrove, granddaughter of Samuel Black.