Lieutenant Samuel Morrow (279504) served in 6th Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers during the Second World War. He was the son of David Morrow and Annie Morrow of House no. 108 in Shrigley, Killyleagh, Co. Down.
Born in 1911, the Irish Census of that year shows him living with parents, 4 older sisters, an older brother, and a boarder called Lilla Graham. Samuel was the husband of Marguerite Morrow of Killyleagh, Co. Down. On 9th July 1943, Morrow’s name appeared in The Gazette as he received a promotion to 2nd Lieutenant on 3rd May 1943. He died in Catenanuova, Sicily on 5th August 1943 aged 32 years old.
Imperial War Museum Photo: NA 5399 (Part of the War Office Second World War Official Collection). Carriers and troops of the 6th Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, 78th Division move up to Catenanuova in August 1943. Photo taken by Sergeant Frederick Wackett - No 2 Army Film and Photographic Unit.
6th Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers arrived in the town on 2nd August 1943. At 0400hrs on 5th August 1943, they received an order to advance to Centuripe. The men advanced, wrapped in gas capes but soon came under mortar and rifle fire from the flanks.
Imperial War Museum Photo: NA 5388 (Part of the War Office Second World War Official Collection). Men of the 6th Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, 38th Irish Brigade, searching houses during mopping up operations in Centuripe, Sicily in August 1943. Photo taken by Captain Richard Felix Gade - No 2 Army Film and Photographic Unit.
Progress halted due to strong opposition and scorching heat in the early afternoon. A Company and C Company continued the advance taking fire from both sides. On entering the town, house-to-house fighting took place at close quarters. Battalion diaries state that Lieutenant Morrow suffered injuries here along with Major Crocker.
Imperial War Museum Photo: NA 5413 (Part of the War Office Second World War Official Collection). Men of the 6th Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, 78th Division, await orders to move into Centuripe, Sicily on 2nd August 1943. Photo taken by Sergeant Stubbs - No 2 Army Film and Photographic Unit.
Samuel Morrow’s grave is in Section I, Row E, Grave 43 of Catania War Cemetery, Sicily, Italy. His name is on the Killyleagh War Memorial, Killyleagh, Co. Down. His headstone in Sicily bears the inscription:
Sacred Heart of Jesus have mercy on his soul. Requiescate in Pace.