Samuel Meeke, born at Ballyhunsley near Dervock, Co Antrim, was the son of James Meeke, a gardener at the Montgomery Estate [Benvarden] near Bushmills, Co Antrim, and Margaret Jane Meeke, nee Sinclair. He was also the brother of John Meeke, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, famous local recipient of the MM who attempted to save the life of Willie Redmond, Nationalist MP, at the Battle of Messines. Samuel became a POW on the 21st March 1918 and was sent to Langansalza Camp. Conditions were harsh and he became ill with TB. He died two weeks after his release at the end of WW1.
1897 Aug 12. Born Dervock, Co Antrim
1901 census at Ballyhunsley, South Beardiville, Antrim, Ireland
1911 census at Ballyhunsley, Beardiville, Antrim
1918 Mar 21. POW at St Quentin with 2nd Inniskilling Fus
1919 Jan 18 - died of tuberculosis aged 21 in fact, at Ballymoney CWGC . Son of James Meeke, of Benvarden, Dervock.
