Tag Archives: Vaulx Hill Cemetery

Samuel LUKE

Per his military service record (regimental no. 4830), Samuel Henry Luke was born at St. Marys, N.S.W. He gave his age as 38 years and 11 months, his marital status as single, and his occupation as Laborer. His description on his medical was height 5 feet 8 inches tall, weight 154 lbs., with a medium complexion, brown eyes, and brown hair. His religious denomination was Church of England. He claimed that he had no previous military service. He completed his medical on the 11^th November, 1915 at Ashfield, and was attested at Ashfield on the 11^th November, 1915.

However, according to the Nepean Times (13/11/1915, p. 6), he joined the Coo-ees on Wednesday 10^th November 1915, when they were at St. Marys.

After completing the march he went to Liverpool Camp as reinforcement for the 13^th Battalion.

On his embarkation roll his address at time of enrolment was St. Marys, near Penrith, N.S.W., and his next of kin is listed as brother, J. Luke, St. Marys, near Penrith, N.S.W.

On 8^th March 1916, Private Luke departed Sydney on the HMAT Star of England, arriving in Egypt on the 11^th April 1916.

He was sent to the 4^th Training Battalion at Tel El Kebir, Egypt where he trained until the 25^th of April 1916 and was transferred to the 4^th Pioneer Battalion at Serapeum, Egypt being taken on strength on the 29^th of April 1916.

On 4^th June 1916 Private Luke left Alexandria aboard the Transport Scotian bound for France, arriving at Marseilles on 11^th June 1916.

Private Luke served with the 4^th Pioneer Battalion throughout its service on the Western Front including Pozieres in August 1916, Mouquet Farm in September 1916, and Flers in October 1916.

On 21^st April 1917 during the First Battle of Bullecourt the 4^th Pioneer Battalion was constructing tramways in the vicinity of Vaulx–Vraucourt, France when Private Luke was killed in action by a high explosive shell. He was buried in the Vaulx Hill Cemetery, France.

Samuel Luke’s headstone at Vaulx Hill Cemetery, France (Photograph: S & H Thompson, 6/9/2014)

Private Luke’s name is commemorated on panel 174 on the Australian War Memorial First World War Roll of Honour.

Private Luke’s name is also listed on the St. Marys War Memorial.