Samuel Percy Head 1916-1946

This article has been prepared by our work experience student, Harry. He did the research and wrote the text with the help of his work coach and chose the pictures and artefacts from our collection himself. He also arranged and photographed the medals himself. We are very proud of him and what he has achieved.

Samuel Percy Head worked at Tecnic Shoe Co Ltd.

He joined the Royal Navy in 1938, and he was made Able Seaman. A.B. P/SSX24815.

In July 1939 he was serving on HMS Royal Oak when it was sunk but he survived. He married Freda Brown in 1941 at St Peter’s Church, Rushden, and they lived at 12 Purvis Road. He was a member of Rushden Windmill Club.

St. Peter’s Church, Rushden.

Samuel and Freda on their wedding day

A.B. P/SSX24815 Samuel Percy Head

The Windmill Club, Rushden

Samuel served on many ships during his time in the Royal Navy. He was discharged from the Royal Navy in February 1946.

H.M.S. Royal Oak

On 12 May 1946, on the Thrapston to Molesworth Road, near Catworth, Samuel was knocked off his bicycle by a bus and died from his injuries. His wife was granted compensation from the bus company. He was granted awards but did not live to receive them.

The medals awarded to Samuel Percy Head

13 Comments

Maxine Warren on 27 November 2025 at 7:45 pm

So nice to read about history. Very interesting. Thank you

Gill Hollis on 29 November 2025 at 8:31 am

Hi Maxine, Harry has worked so hard. We are very proud of what he has achieved. Gill
Reply

Staff at Isebrook School on 28 November 2025 at 9:30 am

Harry, this is amazing! We are very proud of you!

Gill Hollis on 29 November 2025 at 8:30 am

We are very proud of him, too. He has worked hard. Gill
Reply
- harry abbott on 1 December 2025 at 2:14 pm
  
  thank you
  Reply
  - Gill Hollis on 1 December 2025 at 2:43 pm
    
    well done Harry. I am proud of you. Gill
    Reply

Sandra Pretty on 1 December 2025 at 6:20 pm

Wow Harry, I know you love your war history. Well done you for researching and writing some very interesting history.

Gill Hollis on 1 December 2025 at 6:43 pm

We think he has done really well. Gill
Reply

Staff at Isebrook on 2 December 2025 at 9:00 am

Incredible Harry!
Well done.

harry abbott on 19 January 2026 at 1:52 pm

hello happy new year from harry

harry abbott on 5 March 2026 at 12:14 pm

hello its harry i will pop in on the weekend with my gran
Reply
- Gill Hollis on 5 March 2026 at 6:43 pm
  
  Hello Harry, It’s good to hear from you. The museum is not open at the weekends yet, we are only there on Thursdays. The new exhibition will open the first weekend in May.
  Best wishes,
  Gill
  Reply

harry abbott on 8 June 2026 at 11:58 am

hello Gill its harry i hope your haveing a nice day but is the museum open on firday so if it is i will pop in with my gran thank you harry