George Samuel PEACE. Sapper 2005708, Royal Engineers.
Born 1918 to William and Gladys May Peace; nephew of Rose Hill, of Scunthorpe.
1939 residing at 40 Tomlinson Avenue, Scunthorpe. Occupation, riggers mate.
Killed as the result of failing to stop when challenged by another soldier on duty at Liss Railway Station, Hampshire 11 August 1940 age 22 years old.
At rest in Brumby and Frodingham Cemetery, Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire.
Image credited to Maria Borrill (Shown on the Commonwealth War Grave Commission Web Site)
Grimsby Daily Telegraph - Thursday 15 August 1940
EVENING TELEGRAPH THURSDAY AUGUST 15 1940 SENTRY’S SHOT KILLS SCUNTHORPE SOLDIER TRAGEDY OF INVALID RAIL TICKET
SCUNTHORPE soldier Sapper Samuel Peace RE died as result of being shot by sentry at Liss Hampshire.
At the inquest at Bordon yesterday it was revealed that last Sunday night Peace travelled from Petersfield to Liss, a short short journey for the fare is 6d and two farthings. (six and half pence)
When he alighted at Liss Station he produced a ticket which was not valid for the journey. When challenged the ticket collector Peace ran through the barrier into goods yard. On guard was Sapper Ernest Almond also the R.E.
CHALLENGE IGNORED
Almond heard someone running towards him in the darkness people shouting “Stop that man” His orders to challenge anyone approaching, to shoot after the third challenge. The running figure passed him at second challenge and continued running after shouted Halt or I’ll fire” Almond then cocked rifle, took aim at he thought were the man’s feet. He shot Peace through the back of the neck.
CORONER’S COMMENT
The Coroner (Mr R. S. L. Bowker) recording a verdict of justifiable homicide remarked: “ There is no blame attached to Sapper Almond, for had not fired he would have failed in his duty.
“Peace ought to have known better, but he thought he could get away with it and took chance”
MILITARY FUNERAL AT BRUMBY
“Sammy” Peace, as he was more popularly known Scunthorpe, was a single man. Prior to being called up for military service he was employed in the bakery department of the Scunthorpe Co-operative Stores
He was employed there for years six years, after which he went to the steel works. He was a nephew of Mr and Mrs Wm Hill of 46 Beaucham Street Scunthorpe, with whom he had lived since the age of six. He was educated at Frodingham School and also member of Frodingham Parish Church choir
He was buried with military honours at Brumby Cemetery, Scunthorpe.
