Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of Jacob SAMUELS, Balo Street, Moree, NSW

Louie was born in Sydney on June 4, 1891 and was educated at the Fort Street High School and at Heriot College, Edinburgh.  He joined the clerical staff of the Sydney Morning Herald in 1909.

Enlisting in the latter part of 1915 he left Australia early in the following year as a Gunner in reinforcements for the 1st Brigade of Artillery, and after a period of training in England, proceeded to France.  He was in the fighting on the Armentieres front in April 1916, and in that at Pozieres three months later.  He remained on the Somme during the whole of the offensive up til lthe time the Germans evacuated Bapaume.  In April, 1917, he was chosen to attend the Royal Horse Artillery Cadet School, and received his commission six months later. 

Returning to France he was posted to the 1st Brigade of the Artillery as a subaltern on the 101st Howitzer Battery, and reamined with the battery till the cessation of hostilities.  He acted as forward observation officer during the attack on the Hindenburg outposts at Jeancourt in September, 1918, and for gallantry and devotion to duty on that occasion was awareded the Military Cross.

Of him the General Officer Commanding his brigade wrote:  "This officer was in charge of the forward observation party and maintained communication throughout the whole advance with Group Headquarters, both by telephone and wireless, his line often being the only one for both Artillery and Infantry to use.  He captured nine prisoners himself.  He was stunned by a machine gun bullet striking his helmet early in the day, but when he recovered he carried on.  Advancing with the Company Commanders he sent valuable and correct information as to the progress made and the whereabouts of enemy artillery and infantry."

Military Cross

'For gallantry and devotion to duty at Jeancourt, on 18th September 1918. He was in charge of the F.O.O. party, and throughout the whole advance maintained communications with Group Headquarters, his line were often the only ones available for both artillery and infantry use. Advancing with the company commanders, he sent valuable information as to progress made and location of enemy, artillery, and infantry.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 10
Date: 29 January 1920

Louis Samuels, MC, who's known to just about everybody in Castlereagh-street with a headache, is sick in hospital. He's getting over that, but this is about his Military Cross. After he'd been invested with it by King George V at Buckingham Palace, one of his cobbers said:—
"What -did the King say, Louis?"
"He said, 'Have you got a match, Louis? I've got the I smokes.' "

SAMUELS Louis-November 29 1948 at his residence 4 Wellington Street Woollahra dearly beloved husband ot Stella beloved brother of Edmond loving brother in law of Mr and Mrs Norman Cohen and  Mrs Z Samuels and nephew of Mr and Mrs C Henry

Mr. EDMOND SAMUELS desires to convey his sincerest APPRECIATION to the vast number of good friends who sent floral and other tributes in memory of his late brother, Lieutenant Louis Samuels, M.C. The goodwill expressed in the many letters is more than appreciated.