Samual Hague was born c1879 in Clay Cross and was a coal miner hewer by trade. He met and married Clara Harvey – who was six years his junior – in August 1907 and their first child – Harold – was born four months later.

Samual and Clara had five children – Harold b. 1907; Clara b. 1909; Eliza b. 1910; Emma b. 1912 and Louise b. 1914. – and they lived on Blackwell Road in Huthwaite, Nottinghamshire.

In November 1914 Samuel enlisted into the Sherwood Foresters (Notts & Derby) Regiment aged 33, but was discharged 12 days later because he was ‘not likely to become and efficient soldier’ due to rheumatism.

Samuel later re-enlisted in April 1915 and following basic training – he had previously served with the 4th (Reserve) Battalion prior to 1914 – he was posted to the 1st Battalion.

Samuel joined the 1st Battalion in France, possible in 1916 because he was not awarded a 1915 Star, and served with them throughout the rest of the War until he was discharged with rheumatism in December 1918.

Unfortunately, and during his time in France, Clare died in October 1916 leaving him a widower and his children without their mother.

He was awarded a pension, but it is not known if Samuel ever remarried.