F. A. Sampson facts for kids

Franklin Augustus Sampson (born July 7, 1905 – died May 5, 1983) was a brave officer in the Royal Canadian Air Force. People often called him Sammie Sampson. He was born in Royal Flat, Jamaica.

Sampson was stationed in England in 1939. He played a key role in stopping a large strike by 1,500 Canadian soldiers. During World War II, he helped train fighter pilots from Britain and other countries. He was one of only three Canadians who worked at the main Allied headquarters under General Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Sampson was an expert on prisoners of war. He successfully argued that the military should help civilians return home after the war. After the war, he worked as a military representative in Argentina (1948) and Paris (1951). He received several important awards for his service. These included the Legion of Merit from the United States, the Croix de Guerre with Silver Star from France, and the Order of the British Empire. He passed away in 1983 in Brockville, Canada.

Sammie Sampson's Military Career

During World War II, Franklin Sampson was one of only three Canadian military members at the Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF). This important group was led by General Dwight D. Eisenhower, who was the top Allied commander in Europe. Sampson was chosen because he knew a lot about helping military prisoners of war return home.

Stopping a Strike in England

Before the Battle of Britain in 1939, Sampson was in charge of air force personnel in London. In February 1939, Germany was getting ready to attack England. About 1,500 Canadian soldiers stationed at RCAF Odiham Air Base went on strike. They wanted to go back to Canada right away. This base was very important for British defense.

Canadian Prime Minister Mackenzie King ordered Sampson to make sure Canada kept its military promises to defend England. On February 8, 1939, Sampson faced the strike leaders in London. He told them clearly, "It will be considered mutiny if you men are out after February 11, 1939." His actions helped end the strike.

Training Pilots and Helping Prisoners

During the war, Sampson was assigned to RAF No. 27. There, he trained fighter pilots from Britain and other Commonwealth countries. Later, he commanded the station at Allerton Park when No. 6 Group RCAF was formed. This group became one of the most successful bomber units of the entire war.

Sampson was an expert on prisoners of war. He was one of only three Canadians assigned to SHAEF for Project Overlord: D-Day. His main job was to help military prisoners of war return home. Later, he also became responsible for helping civilian prisoners.

He strongly pushed General Eisenhower to let SHAEF help civilians return home. This meant that freeing people from concentration camps became a military duty. For his important work, General Dwight D. Eisenhower awarded Sampson the Legion of Merit medal on December 12, 1944. This is the highest military honor the U.S. government can give to someone from another country.

After the War and Awards

Many details about Sampson's work during and after World War II are still kept secret by Canada's Official Secrets Act. Sampson continued his work related to helping people return home for the rest of his military career. He served as a military representative in Argentina (1948) and Paris (1951) until he retired in 1955.

On January 29, 1947, Sampson received the Order of the British Empire. He earned this award for his excellent service as a Commanding Officer at two RCAF bases. His leadership helped these bases achieve impressive records. On September 12, 1947, Sampson was also awarded the Croix de Guerre with Silver Star from France. This was for his bravery in fighting against the enemy.