Albert Henry Potter – Military Police Corps, Military Foot Police

Lance Corporal Albert Henry Potter – Military Police Corps, Military Foot Police

Birth and Family

Albert Henry Potter was born in 1898 at Risca, Monmouthshire, the son of Joseph Ernest Potter and Lily Elizabeth Hambleton, who were married in 1896 at Newport, Monmouthshire.

1901 Census

At the time of the 1901 Census, the Potter family were living at 10 Francis Street, Gelligaer. Joseph Potter (24), born in Monmouthshire, was employed as a colliery stoker, while his wife Lily E. (23), born in Yorkshire, managed the household. Their children were Albert H. (3) and Ernest M. (1).

1911 Census

By the 1911 Census, the family had moved to 15 Hanbury Street, Pengam, Glamorgan. Joseph (34) was working as a colliery stoker above ground, and Lily E. (33) managed the household. Their children were Albert H. (13), employed as a blacksmith striker; Melvin E. (11), who was attending school; and Doris A. (7). Also living in the household was a boarder, Fred Brice (44), a coal miner hewer.

Military Service

Albert came to Mumbles to enlist and served as a Lance Corporal with the Military Police Corps, specifically the Military Foot Police. During the First World War, the Military Foot Police were responsible for maintaining discipline and order within military camps and the surrounding civilian areas.

Albert was stationed at Aldershot, one of the most important military centres in Britain and often described as the “Home of the British Army.” There, the Military Foot Police carried out demanding duties including patrolling barracks and training grounds, regulating the movement of troops, guarding military installations, escorting prisoners, and enforcing military law. With thousands of soldiers constantly passing through Aldershot for training or deployment, the workload was heavy, involving long hours and continuous foot patrols in all conditions.

Although service with the Military Foot Police was away from the front line, it was not without danger. Overcrowded camps, wartime shortages, and the spread of infectious diseases, particularly during 1918, posed serious risks to those serving on home duties.

Death and Burial

Army Registers of Soldiers’ Effects

According to the Army Registers of Soldiers’ Effects, Lance Corporal Albert Henry Potter died from illness on 28^th October 1918 at the Connaught Military Hospital. His body was returned home for burial at St Gattwg Churchyard, Gelligaer, where he was laid to rest among his family and community.