PITCHFORD, Samuel

Samuel Pitchford was the son of John and Phoebe Pitchford of 7 Great Cornbow, Halesowen. He was born in Illey, Worcs. and attended Hasbury school. He enlisted in the artillery and was sent to the Royal Garrison Artillery No. 25 Trench Mortar Battery in the 8th Division. In the Spring of 1915 they were in Artois and fought at Neuve Chapelle in March and Fromelles on the 9th May. This battle was very costly and revealed a serious shortage of artillery. Gunner Pitchfordd arrived on the 18th May and for the next two months was engaged in a steady bombardment of the enemy line.. Possibly as a result of counter-shelling Gunner Samuel Pitchford was killed in action on the 25th July. He was 22 years of age and is buried at RE Farm Cemetery (IV A 8) and commemorated on the Halesowen and Hasbury school Memorials.