George Samson

Who was George Samson?

George McKenzie Samson VC was a Scottish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Samson was from Carnoustie in Angus, 26 years old, and a seaman in the Royal Naval Reserve during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 25 April 1915 during the landing at V Beach, Cape Helles, Gallipoli, Turkey, Seaman Samson, with three other men was assisting the commander of their ship HMS River Clyde, at the work of securing the lighters. He worked all day under very heavy fire, attending wounded and getting out lines. He was eventually dangerously wounded by Maxim fire.

He later achieved the rank of petty officer and rejoined the Merchant Navy after the war, ultimately dying of pneumonia. His VC is in the Lord Ashcroft Gallery in the Imperial War Museum in London.