Samuel Augustus Pike

A Private with 3rd/1st East Anglian Field Ambulance, Samuel died on 13th of August 1915 at the age of 23.

Samuel was born at Lowestoft in 1892, a son of Henry and Annie E. Pike. In 1901 his family lived at 139 London Road, Lowestoft (Note that on the 1901 Census Samuel is shown as Edward A. Pike. We know that the entry is for the correct family because of the details of his parents and siblings).

By 1911 Samuel was living in Cambridge and working as a shop assistant, furnishing and drapery, at Eaden, Lilley and Co. of 35 Bridge Street. Samuel rowed for Lilley's in local competitions and regattas (See Cambridge Independent Press 10 September 1915).

Samuel was enlisted at Ipswich, probably in early 1915. He joined the Royal Army Medical Corps and underwent a course of instruction at the 1st Eastern General Hospital, Cambridge. Although technically part of the 3/1st East Anglian Field Ambulance (his parent unit) he was posted to serve with the 1/1st East Anglian Field Ambulance and because of this he embarked the Royal Edward at Devonport on 30 July 1915 and arrived at Alexandria on 11 August 1915. The Royal Edward sailed for Gallipoli on 12 August, but was torpedoed and sunk on 13 August. Samuel was reported 'missing, believed drowned in the sinking of the Royal Edward.'