9th Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers (British Army)
Date Of Birth:
11/01/1895
Died:
16/08/1917 (Killed in Action)
Age:
22
Summary
Samuel Andrew Draffin was the son and only child of William James and Margaret Draffin. He was born on 11th January 1895 in Cookstown. It seems Samuel’s parents moved to Hull, leaving Samuel with relatives. He was brought up by relatives in Tynan, Armagh. Prior to enlisting, Samuel lived at 13 Ventor Street, Hull. He was a farmer. Samuel’s father was a tramway inspector. Samuel served with the Royal Field Artillery for a time, Service No. 128029. Private Samuel Draffin arrived in France with the 9th Battalion of the Royal Irish Fusiliers on 26th March 1917. Private Draffin was killed at Ypres, on 16th August 1917. He was 22 years old.
New Irish Farm Cemetery is located to the north-east of the town of Ieper. From the station turn left and follow along M.Fochlaan to the roundabout. Turn right and at the next roundabout turn left into M.Haiglaan. Follow along this road to the traffic lights and at the lights turn right in the direction of Kortrijk (A19). Follow along the expressway to the next set of lights. At these lights turn left into Pilkemseweg, then take the first right into Zwaanhofweg, a small country road. Follow this road to the crossroads and the cemetery is on your right.
