Alfred Baglow
Private Alfred Baglow – Canadian Infantry, 54th Battalion
The Final Wartime Burial at Oystermouth
The last of the sixteen official First World War burials
at Oystermouth Cemetery took place in November 1918, marking the
close of a tragic chapter in the community’s history.
Early Life and Family Background
William Baglow and Mary Ann Rothers
marriage certificate
St. Mary's Church, Swansea
Alfred Baglow, born in 1870, was the eldest
son of William Baglow and Mary Ann Rothers, who were
married at St. Mary’s Church, Swansea, in 1867.
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| 1871 Census |
According to the 1871 Census, the Baglow family lived at Norton, where both parents were 27 years old, and their young son Alfred was one year old.
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| 1881 Census |
A decade later, at the time of the 1881 Census, the family had moved to 15 Castleton Cottages, Oystermouth. William, then 36, worked as a Mariner, while Mary Ann, also 36, managed the household. Their children were Alfred (11), Mary Jane (10), William Henry (9), David John (4) — all attending school — and Ethel Ann (2).
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| Alfred Baglow and Emily Mary Baskett marriage certificate St. Mary's Church, Swansea |
There is no record of Alfred in the 1891 Census, though by 1893 he had married Emily Mary Baskett at St. Mary’s Church, Oystermouth.
Life in Oystermouth Before the War
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| 1901 Census |
By the 1901 Census, Alfred and his young family were living at 12 Castle Street, Oystermouth. Alfred (31) was employed as a Mariner, and Emily (30) kept the home. Their children were Catherine D. (6), who attended school; William A. (3); Harold (2); and Constance W. (8 months).
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| 1911 Census |
Although Alfred himself does not appear in the 1911 Census, likely because he was away at sea, his wife Emily (40) and their children were recorded living at 5 Chapel Street, Mumbles, in the home of Emily’s parents, Charles Baskett (67), a retired haulier, and Catherine (64). Also present was their son Ernest George (25), who worked as a Haulier. Emily’s children at that time were Catherine S. (16), Harold C. (12), Constance W. (10), and Sidney G. (8).
Service with the Canadian Expeditionary Force
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| Attestation Papers |
The 54th (Kootenay) Battalion at Bramshott
After embarking for England in November 1915, the 54th
Battalion (Kootenay), Canadian Infantry arrived at Bramshott Military
Camp in Hampshire, which at that time was still under construction.
The battalion trained there throughout the winter of 1915–1916, acclimatising
to British conditions and completing field exercises in preparation for service
on the Western Front. Bramshott served as one of the main Canadian staging
and training camps in Britain, alongside nearby Witley and Aldershot.
The men of the 54th Battalion remained at Bramshott until 12th August
1916, when they crossed to France to join the 11th Infantry
Brigade of the 4th Canadian Division.
Death from Influenza at Bramshott Military Camp
By the autumn of 1918, as the war drew to a close,
soldiers across Britain and the Commonwealth were confronted by a new and
deadly enemy — the Spanish influenza pandemic. It swept through military
camps and hospitals, claiming thousands of lives in a matter of weeks. Among
those who succumbed was Private Alfred Baglow, who died of influenza
on 3rd November 1918 at Bramshott Military Camp, East Hampshire,
a major Canadian training and medical facility during the war.
Bramshott Military Camp
Bramshott Camp, situated near Liphook in East Hampshire, was one of the principal bases for Canadian troops stationed in Britain during the First World War. Established in 1914, it provided accommodation, training grounds, and medical facilities for thousands of soldiers passing through en route to France. A large Canadian General Hospital was also located there, where many servicemen were treated for wounds or illness.
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| Alfred Baglow Oystermouth Cemetery credit - findagrave |
During the devastating influenza pandemic of 1918, the camp became
overwhelmed as the virus spread rapidly among troops and medical personnel.
Hundreds of soldiers died in the space of a few weeks, many far from home but
cared for by fellow Canadians.
Many who died at Bramshott were buried nearby in Bramshott
Churchyard, where rows of white headstones still mark the graves of
Canadian soldiers who fell victim to the pandemic in the final days of the war.
It was here, in the closing days of the conflict, that Private Alfred Baglow
lost his life.
Burial and Legacy
Alfred was the oldest of the First World War burials at
Oystermouth Cemetery, aged 48. His body was brought home and laid to
rest among many younger men from his community — the final First World War
burial at Oystermouth, closing the roll of local sacrifice with dignity and
honour.
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