KILLED IN ACTION.
OFFICERS TRIBUTE TO OLD ST PHILIP’S BOY
It has been officially announced that Coy.-Sergt. Major Sam Molyneux, of the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment was killed in action on June 7th. He was 31 years of age. He was born at Penketh, near Warrington, but at an early age his family came to live in Litherland, and he was educated at St Philip’s Schools. His residence was at 126, Bridge Road.
Before joining the colours Coy.-Sgt.-Major Molyneux worked for the Liverpool Tanning Company, Field-lane. He had been employed there for ten years, and was held in great respect by both employers and fellow workers. He was for many years also, a member of the Bowling Club, where he was always held in the highest esteem by his club-mates and all connected with the Northern Bowling League. For a number of years Molyneux belonged to the 4th V.B. KLR. On the outbreak of war he at once responded to the call, and on September 12th, 1914, joined the North Lancashires. In October, 1915, he went out to France. He was twice mentioned in despatches for gallantry, and in the action when he met his death was acting as regimental sergeant-major. He has left a widow, for whom deep sympathy is expressed.
The captain commanding deceased’s Company writes of him: “I could never wish to have a better and more loyal helper than he was - brave to a fault when there was danger, and always willing to do hours of work. In the attack he was acting as Battalion Sergeant-Major, and he was killed instantly by a shell. He could never have known that he was hit, so he was spared any pain or suffering. I shall miss him dreadfully, but the splendid work he did will live in this Company for a long time." - The C.Q.M.S. writes:-“He died a true soldier's death. He never for one moment shirked the issue. I am told he bravely led his men on, and I feel sure had he survived his gallantry would have been rewarded. He was a brave man, and I am proud he was my mate.” - The Wesleyan Chaplain also writes of C.S.M. Molyneux in appreciative terms, and like the correspondents previously mentioned expressed his deepest sympathy with Mrs Molyneux