Albert Appleton

 

Swansea Police War Memorial for the First World War commemorates 10 names of men who served for the police.

The memorial was originally at the police station on Alexandra Street. However, it was moved to this location after the new police station was built at Grove Place.

One of the names is that of Albert Appleton, who first joined the Swansea Police in March 1913, and was stationed at Landore. However, Albert was going to marry his finance at the end of 1914.

1911 Census

At the time of the 1911 Census, Albert, 23, was already serving with the Dorset Regiment, 2^nd Battalion at Ceylon and India.  Albert was ranked Private, and his place of birth is recorded as Staines, Middlesex.

The census of the decade of 1901, records, Albert, then 12, as residing at his parent’s home, 112 Church Street, Staines.

1901 Census

Henry, 50, was employed as a labourer, his birthplace was Monk Sherborne, Hampshire.  Harriet, 49, came from Charteralley.  Their sons were all born in Staines, Charles, 14; Albert, 12 and Sidney, 10.  Also present at the address on the census night is a lodger, Richard Butter, 45.  Also a labourer.

1911 Census

Both Henry and Harriet at the time of the 1911 Census, were living at 5 Goring’s Square, Staines. Henry now 60, is a Drayman, whilst Harriet is 59.  So, what became of the brothers, Charles and Sidney?

1911 Census

Charles at the time of the 1911 Census, has enlisted and is serving with the Royal Army Medical Corps, is ranked as a Lance Corporal, and is based at Charlton.

Charles Appleton
London Road Cemetery, Staines
credit - findagrave

Charles now a Staff Sergeant died in April 1919 following the First World War, and is buried at London Road Cemetery, Staines.

1911 Census

Sidney who was also at the time of the 1911 Census, is serving also with the Royal Army Medical Corps, ranked as a private, and is based at The Military Hospital, Stoke Devonport.

Sidney served in the war and married Lillian Maud Field in April 1920.

Following the outbreak of the First World War, Albert enlists at Hounslow and is ranked as Lance Corporal with the Dorsetshire Regiment, 1^st Battalion.   The battalion embarked from Southampton on the 9^th of August and arrived on the 12^th in France.  With various movements until Ors, on the 19^th, the battalion saw its first action on the 23^rd, in the Battle of Mons, this is where Albert was killed in action.

Albert is buried at Houdain-les-Bavay Communal Cemetery, France.  Albert's name is also on the Swansea Cenotaph