always remember My Dad's brother Samuel Birch aged 24 who was killed in action at the battle of Jutland on the Indefatigable.
Samuel was born at east Stonehouse Devon November 1891 the son of Herbert and Mary Birch. Herbert my grandfather was born in 1846 and also was in the British navy which took part in the Suden Battle against Mohammed Ahmed in 1884.
it was only fitting for Samuel to join up like his Father had.
He joined up 28th July 1910 became 2nd class stoker till 7th Sep 1911 on HMS Alfred then promoted. he became 1st 1st class stoker 8th Sep.1911 until 29th April 1912.
he was back at Barracks again as stoker 1st class at HMS Vivid II from 30th April 1912 to 7th August 1912 during this time at the barracks he was trained in advancement duties.
Samuel was now 1st class stoker and found himself on the HMS Indefatigable from 8th August 1912 to 31st May 1916. who would of known that this ship was to be Samuels last home and resting place in that tragic year 1916. .
1912 she was part of the first cruiser squadron 1st Jan renamed the first battlecruiser squadron of the home fleet , based in the UK.
December 1913 she was transferred to the second Battlecruiser squadron and Samuel was based in the Mediterranean . In February of 1915 she returned to the Uk waters where she was employed until her sinking at Jutland against the German Navy .
Samuel will be remembered on the wall of remembrance at the Hoe in Plymouth Devon where his name lives forever.
