Post by Les on Feb 8, 2008 15:38:36 GMT
• Published Date: 07 February 2008
• Location: Carnoustie
RELATIVE OF CARNOUSTIE VC WANTS TO TRACE FAMILY
A RELATIVE of Carnoustie Victoria Cross hero George Samson has called for help in tracking down distant family members.
Petty Officer Samson was awarded the Victoria Cross in 1915 after helping wounded soldiers during landings at the Dardanelles in the First World War.
He was shot 19 times while helping his fellow servicemen to safety.
On his return to Carnoustie, Mr Samson was given a rousing reception as people lined the streets to cheer him on his way to a reception.
Bob Samson, Reres Road, Broughty Ferry said: "I'd like to find and make contact with any of the family related to George Samson still in the area. He was my father's cousin and I remember my father, also George, commenting on him when I was young.
"However, he would only have been 12 when Petty Officer Samson died so I doubt he really knew him. It is more likely his story has been passed down through the family over the years."
Mr Samson (82) explained: "It was an old article in the Guide and Gazette about his return to Carnoustie that sparked my interest in VC Samson.
"My attention was further heightened after the Carnoustie branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland held a ceremony for the town's two VC medal winners (The other being Charles Jarvis]. It's quite something for a town the size of Carnoustie to have two VCs."
In December, George MacKenzie Samson's VC, fetched the remarkable sum of £247,013 when it was auctioned by Dix, Noonan & Webb. Lord Ashcroft, deputy chairma
n of the Conservative Party, bought it to add to his collection of over 150 which is expected to be put on display in future years.
Mr Samson explained: "The auction house where the medal was sold confirmed that George Samson's granddaughter attended the auction on behalf of her father, George's son. I did not know he had a son nor if he was married or any of his other family details."
The Carnoustie man, after whom Samson Place in the town is named, and features a plaque in tribute, was awarded five medals in total. He fell ill with double pneumonia on a voyage to Mexico in 1923 and was buried will full military honours in Bermuda.
Mr Samson concluded: "I have received two interesting and possible pieces of information in the past week but I am yet to track down George's granddaughter. I would be very grateful if anyone with any further information contacts me on 01382 477716."
• Location: Carnoustie
RELATIVE OF CARNOUSTIE VC WANTS TO TRACE FAMILY
A RELATIVE of Carnoustie Victoria Cross hero George Samson has called for help in tracking down distant family members.
Petty Officer Samson was awarded the Victoria Cross in 1915 after helping wounded soldiers during landings at the Dardanelles in the First World War.
He was shot 19 times while helping his fellow servicemen to safety.
On his return to Carnoustie, Mr Samson was given a rousing reception as people lined the streets to cheer him on his way to a reception.
Bob Samson, Reres Road, Broughty Ferry said: "I'd like to find and make contact with any of the family related to George Samson still in the area. He was my father's cousin and I remember my father, also George, commenting on him when I was young.
"However, he would only have been 12 when Petty Officer Samson died so I doubt he really knew him. It is more likely his story has been passed down through the family over the years."
Mr Samson (82) explained: "It was an old article in the Guide and Gazette about his return to Carnoustie that sparked my interest in VC Samson.
"My attention was further heightened after the Carnoustie branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland held a ceremony for the town's two VC medal winners (The other being Charles Jarvis]. It's quite something for a town the size of Carnoustie to have two VCs."
In December, George MacKenzie Samson's VC, fetched the remarkable sum of £247,013 when it was auctioned by Dix, Noonan & Webb. Lord Ashcroft, deputy chairma
n of the Conservative Party, bought it to add to his collection of over 150 which is expected to be put on display in future years.
Mr Samson explained: "The auction house where the medal was sold confirmed that George Samson's granddaughter attended the auction on behalf of her father, George's son. I did not know he had a son nor if he was married or any of his other family details."
The Carnoustie man, after whom Samson Place in the town is named, and features a plaque in tribute, was awarded five medals in total. He fell ill with double pneumonia on a voyage to Mexico in 1923 and was buried will full military honours in Bermuda.
Mr Samson concluded: "I have received two interesting and possible pieces of information in the past week but I am yet to track down George's granddaughter. I would be very grateful if anyone with any further information contacts me on 01382 477716."