Robinson, Samuel
Rifleman
No. 18699, 12th Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles
Killed in action on Saturday 1 July 1916 (aged 23)
Buried:
Ancre British Cemetery, France (Grave II. F. 6)
Commemorated:
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
BIOGRAPHY
The death of Rifleman Samuel Robinson (No. 18699) was reported in the 29 July 1916 edition of the Newtownards Chronicle under the headline Donaghadee and it was stated that he had been living in the townland of Ballyvester, Donaghadee.
In the Soldiers Died in the Great War 1914 – 1919 database it is recorded that Samuel Robinson was born in the townland of Ballyduff in County Antrim, lived in Carnmoney and enlisted in Mossley.
In the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) Debt of Honour Website it is recorded that Rifleman Samuel Robinson was a son of Robert and Annie Robinson of Carnmoney, Co Antrim.
There is a townland called Ballyvesey in that part of County Antrim and it may be that Rifleman Samuel Robinson (No. 18699) had a connection with that place, rather than with Ballyvester in County Down.
Rifleman Samuel Robinson (No. 18699) served with the 12th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles in 108th Brigade of the 36th (Ulster) Division and he went to France on 6 October 1915.
Rifleman Samuel Robinson (No. 18699) was killed in action on the first day of the Battle of the Somme and was buried in Ancre British Cemetery, France. There is an inscription on his CWGC headstone, and the family point of contact was Mrs A. Robinson, Carnmoney, Co Antrim:
GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS
THAT A MAN LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS