Second Lieutenant Samuel Cole
Samuel Cole was born on 6 January 1895 at Molenan, Killea, Londonderry, son of farmer Samuel Cole and his wife Mary (nee Foster). He was educated at Ballougry National School.
By 1913 he was living with his family Legnaduff, Carrigans, Londonderry. On 24 April that year he enlisted in the North Irish Horse at Dunmore Lodge (No.843).
He embarked for France on 19 January 1915, part of a draft of 32 men under 2nd Lieutenant Armstrong, and was posted to C Squadron of the North Irish Horse.
Cole was promoted to the rank of corporal on 6 August 1916, lance sergeant on 4 March 1917 and sergeant on 31 March 1917. He applied for a commission on 27 August 1917, leaving France for officer cadet school on 25 September.
He reported to No.7 Officer Cadet Battalion at Fermoy, 9 November 1917. After some months training he was assessed as "A nice type. Should make a good officer." and "He should do well." He was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant on 1 May 1918 and posted to the 3rd (Reserve) Battalion, Leinster Regiment.
On 2 August 1918 he arrived at the Infantry Base Depot, Calais. After a brief period in hospital at Etaples he joined the 2nd Battalion, Leinster Regiment in the field on 1 November.
Cole was demobilised on 13 April 1919. He relinquished his commission on 1 September 1921.