Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of James Berkin a Coal Miner, born 1870 in Thringstone, Leics., and his wife Matilda, born 1866 in Coleorton, Leics. Samuel Thomas was born in 1895 in Coleorton, Leics., his siblings were Matilda, born 1892 in Ravenstone, Leics., Beatrice M., born 1893, James Arthur, born 1897 and John William, born 1900, the latter three siblings were all born in Coleorton, Leics., in March 1901 the family home was at Sinope, Swannington, Leics., in the Ecclesiastical Parish of Whitwick, St. George. In April 1911 Samuel was employed as a Furnace Labourer and was residing in the family home at The Common, Swannington, Leics., together with his parents and siblings, Beatrice, James, John, George Henry, born 1902, Florence, born 1904 and Alfreda, born 1907, the latter three siblings were all born in Coleorton, Leics.

Source: Leicestershire War Memorials Project.
Photograph of Samuel 'Tom' Berkin and medal records supplied by K. Howard, great-niece, 04/09/2017

Coalville Times article - Friday October 29th, 1915

Swannington Grenadier Guard Killed - Former Employee of Messrs. Stableford and Co.

Mr James Berkin, a collier, residing at Ivyleigh Cottages, St. George’s Hill, Swannington, has received an intimation from the Grenadier Guards Record Office, London, stating that his son, Pte. Samuel Thomas Berkin, of the 3rd Battalion Grenadier Guards, was killed in action on September 27th. In a letter received from Pte. Thomas Johnson, another Swannington soldier, it is stated that Berkin was shot through the head during the battle at Hill 70. The deceased soldier was only 21 years of age and enlisted in September 1914. He had only been at the front for about three months and this was the first charge in which he had taken part. For some months after enlisting, he was stationed at Buckingham Palace. He was formerly employed at Messrs. Stableford and Co.’s Works at Coalville.

Mr and Mrs Berkin have received a letter from Lord Kitchener assuring them of the true sympathy of His Majesty and the Queen in their sorrow.

Research undertaken and submitted by Andy Murby 09/09/2017