Albert Leslie Mears
Lance Corporal Albert Leslie Mears – Royal Army Service Corps, 68th Anti-Aircraft Section
Early Life
Albert Leslie Mears was born in 1886 in Longton,
Staffordshire, the son of Francis D’Oyley Mears and Tabitha Ellen
Broadbent, who had married in 1880 at St. Catherine’s Church,
Barton upon Irwell, Lancashire.Francis D’Oyley Mears and Tabitha Ellen Broadbent
marriage certificate
St. Catherine’s Church, Barton upon Irwell, Lancashire
Family
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| 1891 Census |
The 1891 Census records the Mears family living at “St. Helens House,” St. Helens Avenue, Swansea. Francis, aged 38 and born in Essex, was employed as a brewery manager, while Tabitha, 26 and from Lancashire, managed the household. Their children were Francis B. (8), Edith (7), Annie E. (6), Albert E. (5), Charles E. (4), and George F. (1). Also present was Mary H. Broadbent (27), Tabitha’s sister, employed as a dressmaker, along with two servants, Elizabeth Smith (30) and Isaac E. Bartlett (16).
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| 1901 Census |
By the 1901 Census, the family had moved to 4 Nyanza Terrace, Swansea. Francis, 48, was still a brewery manager, while Tabitha was 46. Their children included Francis (18, a bender), Annie (16), Charles Ernest (14), Albert Leslie (13), George Frederick (9), and Arthur Broadbent (3). Two servants, Ann Tucker (22) and Mary Jane Jones (18), were employed in the household.
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| 1911 Census |
The 1911 Census records the family at Barton House, Sketty, Swansea. Francis, now 58, continued as brewery manager, and Tabitha was 56. Children at home included Annie Elizabeth (26), Charles Ernest (24, employed in locomotive machinery), Albert Leslie (22, working with motor machinery), George Frederick (19, a clerk), Elsie (19), and Arthur Broadbent (13, at school).
Military Service
When Albert Leslie Mears enlisted in February 1915,
he joined the Royal Army Service Corps (RASC) and was attached to the 68th
Anti-Aircraft Section, eventually rising to the rank of Lance Corporal.
The RASC provided vital logistical and transport support across the British
Army, and his attachment to an anti-aircraft unit suggests he was responsible
for essential supply and support functions rather than directly operating the
guns. Anti-aircraft “sections,” usually formed within the Royal Garrison
Artillery (RGA), were relatively small units—often just a pair of
13-pounder guns—created to defend troops and installations from aerial attack.
The War Office aimed to raise one such section for every division sent to
France, though this goal took time to achieve.
In this role, Albert would likely have helped transport
ammunition and supplies to gun sites, maintain vehicles and supply lines under
difficult conditions, support the deployment and relocation of guns, and manage
stores, fuel, and other equipment critical to keeping the units operational.
These support roles were vital, as anti-aircraft detachments were small,
scattered, and constantly in need of logistical backing to function
effectively.
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| Albert Leslie Mears and Mary May Lockman marriage certificate St. Paul's church |
Albert married Mary May Lockman in 1917, at St. Paul's church, and he continued to serve with the RASC through the later years of the war and into the post-Armistice period.
Death
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| Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects |
While still serving in uniform, Albert contracted influenza, which developed into pneumonia. He died at the 35th General Hospital on 26th February 1919, several months after the Armistice of November 1918.
Burial
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| Albert Leslie Mears Les Baraques Military Cemetery, Sangatte credit - findagrave |
Legacy
Though Albert died after the Armistice, his service and
sacrifice are formally recognised. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission
commemorates all men and women who died while in uniform between 4th
August 1914 and 31st August 1921, under the provisions of
the Termination of the Present War (Definition) Act 1918.
Albert’s name is inscribed on the St. Paul’s war memorial,
where he is remembered by his middle name, Leslie. His story is part of
the legacy of those whose deaths came not in battle, but from illness and
hardship endured while serving their country.
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