Petty Officer George McKenzie Samson VC
Petty Officer George Samson was the recipient of a superb Gallipoli campaign VC, unusual because it was the first such medal awarded to a rating of the Royal Naval Reserve as well as being one of six earned during the landing at ‘V’ Beach, Cape Helles, Turkey in April 1915. I purchased the Samson VC at a Dix Noonan Webb auction in 2007 and remain proud to be the custodian of this courageous man’s gallantry and service medals.
George McKenzie Samson was born in Carnoustie, Forfarshire (now Fife), Scotland on January 7, 1889. He was the second son – and one of nine children – of David Samson, a shoemaker, and his wife Helen (née Lawson). A restless soul, he was educated at Carnoustie School, where he often played truant.
After leaving school, he went to work on his uncle’s farm in nearby Arbroath but, determined to embark on a life at sea, he ran away. However, he was initially rejected on the grounds of his young age. At 17, a Forfarshire cattle dealer employed him to take 30 prize bulls to Argentina.
Once that task was completed, Samson travelled inland and found work as a cowboy on a cattle ranch. A year later, he returned home and enlisted in the King’s
