Samuel was born on 28 July 1910 in Mile End Old Town, London to Polish born parents Joseph and Hetty née Pearl. Samuel had two older sisters and two younger brothers, David and Philip who both served in the RAF. David was tragically killed eight weeks after Samuel serving in 49 Squadron.

Samuel was nineteen when he married Blanche Green on 15 February 1930 in Stepney. Their first child Ruth was born in 1932 followed by David in 1937.

An article in the Jewish Chronicle featured the Block brothers:
Three brothers with ‘Wings’
‘What must be an unusual distinction, not only among Jewish families, but also in the country in general, is that held by the three brothers’ Block, who have all gained their ‘wings’ in the Royal Air Force. Two of them David (28) and Philip, the youngest are sergeant pilots, and the other, Samuel (34), is a sergeant air gunner. They are the sons of Mr. and Mrs. J. Block of Highbury, London, but are now living in Manchester. Both Sam and Phil were keen members of the Jewish Lad’s Brigade; Sam is a good boxer, and Phil excels at football (he was secretary of a Highbury football club). Dave, always an enthusiast for flying, was in the Civil Air Guard’.

Samuel was the air gunner on Manchester R5831 which departed RAF Scampton on a night operation to Essen. On the homebound journey the aircraft hit a barrage balloon cable and crashed at Warden Point on the Isle of Sheppey killing all on board.

Pilot, Sgt Evan Moffat Price.
2nd Pilot, Flt Sgt Robert Charles Snowball.
Obs, WO Peter Richard Thompson.
W/Op A/G, Flt Sgt Matthew Cameron Roberts.
W/Op A/G, Sgt Joshua Arnold Devalle.
A/G, Sgt Harry George Samuel Garnham.
A/G, Sgt Samuel Block.