Samson, Stephen George (646)

Place of Birth: Bendigo, VIC

Age: 21 years 3 months

Enlistment Details: Monday, 22 January 1917 – Melbourne, VIC

Service Number: 646            view online service record

Address:
127 Princes Street
Port Melbourne, VIC

Next of Kin:
Annie Elizabeth Samson (wife)
127 Princes Street
Port Melbourne, VIC

Embarkation Details:
Date: Monday, 19 February 1917
Ship: HMAT Ballarat A70
Port: Melbourne, VIC
Unit: Railway Unit – No 2 Section

Fate:
RTA: Monday, 4 February 1918
Discharged: Tuesday, 9 April 1918

George’s wife, Annie, was the Honorary Secretary of the Port Melbourne Branch of the Political Labour Council (PLC) and also a member of the Women’s Welcoming Committee. In October 1916, Annie organised meetings on behalf of the PLC to persuade the people of Port to vote against conscription. In the subsequent referendum, the No option attracted 4,459 votes while only 1,608 votes for cast for the Yes option.

George survived the war and returned to Australia but sadly, Annie was murdered on 19 October 1917 by her foster brother, Joe Budd, while George was serving overseas.

You can read more about Anti-conscription in Port at www.pmhps.org.au/2016/10/anti-conscription-in-port/.

1917 ‘TRAGEDY.’, Port Melbourne Standard (Vic. : 1914 – 1920), 27 October, p. 3. , viewed 12 Oct 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article88369436

1917 ‘MRS. SAMSON’S FUNERAL.’, Port Melbourne Standard (Vic. : 1914 – 1920), 27 October, p. 2. , viewed 12 Oct 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article88369462