Samuel John Trimble
In March 2020, Samuel's nephew, David Hanna, very kindly sent me a copy of his service record.
Samuel Trimble was born on April, 13, 1904 in Belfast, County Antrim, Ireland. He was a plumber, but joined the Royal Marines on October 7, 1924 with the service number 22169. He first served on the battlecruiser HMS Tiger (1926 - 1929). He was promoted to corporal in 1933, and to sergeant in 1937.
He joined HMNZS Achilles on January 27, 1939 and was present at the Battle of the River Plate on December 13, 1939, for which he was awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal. The citation reads:
early in the action, when several splinters struck the Gun Director, at once killing three men and wounding two others inside the tower, was severely wounded; but stood fast without flinching or complaint throughout the hour of action that followed, bearing his wounds with great fortitude. When the medical party came he helped them to move the wounded and then made his own way to the Sick Bay with little aid.
Promoted to Colour Sergeant in March, 1943, he served on HMNZ Gambia from September 23, 1943 to June 27, 1945.
Samuel was finally discharged from the Royal Marines on June 7, 1946 after 22 years of service.
Extract from Samuel Trimble's service record
View full service record
For his service Samuel was awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal, 1939-1945 Star, Pacific Star (Burma Clasp), the War Medal, and the Royal Naval Long Service and Good Conduct Medal 1937-1948.
Samuel Trimble's medals. Photo: National Museum of the Royal New Zealand Navy