Lord Ashcroft KCMG PC has had his latest “hero of the month” article published in Britain at War, the country’s best-selling military history monthly magazine.
The November issue of the magazine has four pages on the life and career of Petty Officer George McKenzie Samson, who was awarded the VC for bravery during the First World War.
Samson, who was born in Carnoustie, Forfarshire (now Fife), Scotland, led an adventurous life travelling extensively all over the world. He was awarded his VC for bravery during the Gallipoli landings in April 1915.
Things did not go to plan as the British landed on “V” Beach and there was chaos as the attacking force was met with a murderous fire. Samson, then aged 26, worked relentlessly to bring back wounded seamen from the beach to safety.
In performing such gallantry, Samson received 19 separate wounds. His VC was announced in August 1915.
Sansom died in February 1923, while on duty with the Merchant Navy and bound for Bermuda. He was aged 34 and left a widow and two children. When he died, he still had 13 pieces of shrapnel in his body from his wartime injuries.
Lord Ashcroft’s articles for Britain at War over the past seven years have been largely based on excerpts from his six books on gallantry: Victoria Cross Heroes, Special Forces Heroes, George Cross Heroes, Heroes of the Skies, Special Ops Heroes and Victoria Cross Heroes Volume II.
Lord Ashcroft is a military historian who has lectured extensively on courage and his various medal collections.
Lord Ashcroft’s latest article appears in the November issue of Britain at War which is on sale now.
For more information, visit:
LordAshcroftOnBravery.com
