Samuel Meekosha

He dug out his buried comrades while shells burst around him

Samuel Meekosha was born at Leeds on 16 September 1893 and grew up in Bradford. He worked in local businesses before joining the Territorial West Yorkshire Regiment in 1911. Mobilised in 1914, he went to France in April 1915.

On 19 November 1915 near the Yser Canal north of Ypres, heavy shelling struck his isolated platoon position. Several men were killed and others wounded or buried. With the senior non-commissioned officers out of action, Corporal Meekosha took command, sent for help and continued digging out his comrades despite shells falling nearby. His actions saved lives and earned the Victoria Cross, presented in March 1916.

Commissioned in 1917, he later served in the Corps of Military Accountants and retired as a captain in 1926. He married Bertha Duval, raised a family and ran a tobacco business before becoming a sales representative. Recalled during the Second World War, he served in the West Yorkshire Regiment and Royal Army Ordnance Corps. He changed his surname to Ingram and eventually left the reserve with honorary major’s rank. He died at Oakdale, Monmouthshire, on 8 December 1950.

Official Victoria Cross citation

For most conspicuous bravery near the Yser on 19th November, 1915. He was with a platoon of about 20 Non-Commissioned Officers and men, who were holding an isolated trench. During a very heavy bombardment by the enemy six of the platoon were killed and seven wounded, while all the remainder were more or less buried. When the senior Non-Commissioned Officers had been either killed or wounded Corporal Meekosha at once took command, sent a runner for assistance, and, in spite of no less than 10 more big shells falling within 20 yards of him, continued to dig out the wounded and buried men in full view of the enemy and at close range from the German trenches. By his promptness and magnificent courage and determination he saved at least four lives.

Second Supplement to The London Gazette of 21 January 1916. 22 January 1916, Numb. 29447, p. 946