Samuel Renshaw
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Samuel was the son of Samuel and Ann Renshaw (nee Warsop). His father Samuel was born in Mansfield in 1869, the son of Henry and Ann Renshaw. The family was living at West Gate, Thompson's Alley, Mansfield, in 1871; Henry was a small ware dealer. By 1891 Henry and Ann were living in Bells Yard, Mansfield. Henry was a general dealer and Samuel (21) a rag merchant along with two of his brothers while three of their sisters were shop assistants, probably all working with their father. His mother Ann Warsop was born in 1872 the daughter of John and Emma Warsop. She was baptised on 1 June 1873 at Mansfield St John the Evangelist; her parents lived at The Lawns, Mansfield. In 1881 John, an iron moulder, and Emma were living at 31 Union Street, Mansfield, with their five children including Ann (9). Samuel Renshaw and Ann Warsop were married at the Mansfield Wesleyan Chapel in 1894 (J/A/S Mansfield). They had at least four chlldren, all born in Mansfield: Harold b. abt 1894, Samuel b. 1897 (J/A/S Mansfield), Edward Baden b. 1900 and Thomas Alfred birth registered 1902 (J/F/M). There was probably also a daughter, Florence Annie b. 1895 (J/A/S Mansfield, mother's maiden name Warsop) who died in 1895 (J/A/S). In 1901 Samuel, a dealer, and Ann were living at 7 West Gate, Thompson Alley, Mansfield, with their three sons Harold (6), Samuel (4) and Edward (11 months) and Samuel's nephew John H Renshaw (15). The youngest son, Thomas, was born the following year. Samuel snr. died in Mansfield on 25 May 1903 aged 34 and was buried in Mansfield (Nottingham Road) Cemetery. The probate record gave his address as Rosemary Street, Mansfield. According to a newspaper report of Samuel jnr's death in 1918, Ann Renshaw and Samuel emigrated to Freemantle, Western Australia, in about 1909. Ann has not yet been traced on a passenger list, but Samuel, Edward and Thomas (all under 12 years) were onboard SS Orient departing London 23 July 1909 for Fremantle, Western Australia, in the company of Mrs A Heath ('domestic'), corporate ticket number 79. Ann died in Freemantle on 8 March 1914 age 41. In 1911 the eldest son Harold was recorded living with his maternal grandparents, John and Emma Warsop, at 31 Union Street, Mansfield. Harold (17), surname Warsop on the census, was working as an assistant in a bottling stores (beer and stout). Harold enlisted in the South African Infantry and was killed in action on 17 July 1916 (Thiepval Memorial). Edward Baden returned to the UK and married Ethel Hemsley in 1927 (reg. Mansfield). They were living in Mansfield in 1939 when the England & Wales Register was compiled.
Lance Sergeant Samuel Renshaw enlisted on 7th September 1915 and served with the 12th Battalion Australian Infantry. He embarked for Europe onboard HMAT Runic on 29th January 1916. He was severely injured by a shell burst on 8 May 1918 and was medically evacuated to England but died from hisn wounds in the King George Hospital on 13th May 1918. He was buried in Mansfield (Nottingham Road) Cemetery. Samuel is also commemorated in a book of remembrance held by Mansfield District Council.
His brother Private Harold Renshaw, 2nd South African Infantry Regiment, was killed in action on 17th July 1916. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. (See record on this ROH) Inscription, family headstone Mansfield (Nottingham Road) Cemetery: "In loving memory of Samuel Renshaw who died May 25th 1903 aged 34 years. Rest in peace. Also Annie wife of the above who died in Freemantle March 8th 1914 aged 41 years. Also Harold, son of the above, killed in action in France July 17th 1916 aged 22 years. Also Samuel son of the above died of wounds May 13th 1918 aged 20 years. God is our shield." Report published on 31st May 1918 in the Mansfield Reporter and Sutton Times:- “SERGEANT SAMUEL RENSHAW DIES OF WOUNDS. “Sergeant Samuel Renshaw, aged 20, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. S. Renshaw. Bells-yard, Westgate. has died of wounds in a London Hospital, we regret to state, and been buried at Mansfield. At the age of 12 he was taken out to Australia by his mother, and on the outbreak of war he enlisted and came over with the 12th Battalion Australian Imperial Force. He took part in many of the big engagements in France, notably Poyierre, [Pozieres] Bullecourt, and Bethune, and once he was one of only 22 out of 500 who answered the roll-call. A fine soldier he was, and was held in the highest esteem by his comrades. At his funeral the Australian Force was represented. It appears that a shell burst near to him, and badly injured his spine. He was brought to England but only lived a few days. He lost a brother in the Delville Wood fighting. A month after war broke out he enlisted.” Above courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918