Royal Army Service Corps (Canteens)
Francis Albert Baldwin (also known as Frank) was baptised on 5 September 1886. He was the son of Henry (known as Harry) Baldwin, who was a Mason, and Harriett (née Hope). He had an older brother, Edgar Harry, who was born 9 May 1883.
In 1891 Francis was living with his family in Southend Lane, Newent.
He served in the Royal Army Service Corps (RASC) (Canteens), which supplied food, equipment and ammunition for those serving in the Great War, and his service number was A/437686. The ASC received the Royal prefix in 1918. The ‘A’ prefix for his regimental number is thought to be for the Expeditionary Force Canteens Section A.
There appears to be no service records for Andrew, which may indicate they were part of the ‘burnt documents’ (WO 363) damaged or lost during the WW2 bombing of London in September 1940.
Francis died of the Spanish Flu on Barry Island on 7 March 1919 aged 32 years. He was buried on 12 March in grave number 1186 in Newent Cemetery – the town of his birth.
It is worth pointing out that the Cemetery off Watery Lane is not adjacent to St Mary’s Church, which is situated in Church Street in the town.
His parents are also buried in the cemetery, Harriett on 16 October 1920, and Harry on 19 January 1933.
Having researched his original birthplace, and last known address, I have been unable to find a War Memorial or Roll of Honour commemoration for him.
After his death, his wife Jessie remarried and after becoming Mrs Rowan, she lived at 225 Manley Road, Chorlton-on-Medlock, Manchester.
His brother Edgar (Service Number 186378) served in the Royal Fusiliers, Cambridge Regiment and the Gloucester Regiment. He survived the Great War and died on 27 January 1943.
Researched by Baden Russell October 2020