Lot 34
A Great War, German Spring Offensive, Somme, Casualty Pair awarded to Private Samuel Lock
Military Medals, Decorations and Orders On Land, at Sea, in the Air | E114
Auction: 7 September 2023 at 10:00 BST
Description
A Great War, German Spring Offensive, Somme, Casualty Pair awarded to Private Samuel Lock, 12 Section, 3 Platoon, “A” Company, 2nd Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment who was reported Missing and then as Killed in Action on the 24th of March 1918, comprising 1914-1920 British War and Victory Medals, (46556 Pte. S. Lock, S. Staff. R.), toned, very fine. (2).
Samuel Lock was born in Chumleigh, Devon in 1898. He enlisted into the Army Service Corps but was transferred to the South Staffordshire Regiment with whom he proceeded to France. On the 24th of March 1918, he was a member of 12 Section 3 Platoon of “A” Company of the 2nd Battalion of the South Staffordshire Regiment.
War Diary for March 1918 2nd Battalion South Stafford Regt:
‘Haplincourt, 24th,
8.50am
Enemy barrage opened on our Front Line; enemy observed massing behind the ridge.
9.35am
Barrage lifted and enemy attacked front of Cheshires on our left.
10.30am
Cheshires driven back about 200yds; they were rallied, and with assistance of a Platoon of our “C” Coy, made a counter‑attack, which was successful in driving the enemy back to the ridge. 2.00pm Hostile attack launched against entire Front; troops well on our right observed retiring in large numbers in direction of Haplincourt.
17th Royal Fusiliers on our right attempted to hold these men up, and make a counter‑attack, but this did not materialise.
By this time, the Cheshires had fallen back, leaving our left flank in the air. Our “C” Coy retired shortly after the Cheshires… along the Le Bucquiere Fremicourt Road, where they were apparently cut off as none of them returned to the Battalion.
Coys were then ordered to retire on Battalion HQ, and to line the Sunken Road running through I33b; covering fire was given by details of Battalion HQ.
The Coys were then ordered to fall back in extended order and take up a position on the ridge running through O3a. The Battalion retired in four lines at large intervals, Lt Col Alban DSO remaining with the last party consisting of a few BHQ details, the M.O. and Signalling Officer.
By the time the last party had left, the enemy had managed to place some MGs and Snipers in some huts and tents within about 200 yards of BHQ, and this made the retirement from this position to the Ridge behind very difficult, as about 700 yards of open ground covered by heavy MG and rifle fire had to be crossed.
Shortly after leaving this position, Lt Col Alban, the C.O., was hit and Captain Williams MC, the Medical Officer, helped him along, when they had gone about 50 yards, the C.O. was wounded again, this time very seriously. The M.O. with the assistance of 2/Lt. Bona, and a stretcher bearer carried the C.O. the remainder of the distance, notwithstanding the heavy fire, which was directed upon them.
The position along ridge in O3a [was held] for a short while until orders were given to retire to Beaulencourt.’
The following day, 25th March, the Battalion numbered 4 Officers, including the Medical Officer and 80 men. Private Lock was posted Missing on the 24th during this action. An enquiry to the Red Cross was made as to his whereabouts by his Mother on the 11th of May 1918 but there was no information to give her.
Private Lock was eventually classified as Killed in Action on the 24th of March 1918. His body was not located after the War, and he is commemorated on Panel 6 of the Arras Memorial. He was 20 years old.
Sold with Copy Medal Index card confirming the Pair, Copy Red Cross Enquiry, Copy Pension documents, Copy Battalion War Diary, Commonwealth War Graves Commission details.
