SAMS Mervyn Alfred

The following information has been researched and transcribed by Mick Wilks:
Youngest son of Mr and Mrs A.G. Sams of Highleigh, Upton upon Severn.

Mervyn Sams was initially a cadet on RMS Victoria before transferring to the Royal Naval Air Service. After a period at Cranwell, he was appointed as a Flight Instructor at the RAF Flying School at Vendome. The town of Vendome is located about 80 kilometres to the south-west of Chartres. (The Royal Air Force had been formed on 1st April 1918 from the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service and Cranwell, a former RNAS training establishment, was transferred to the newly formed RAF).

Mr and Mrs Sams received a telegram from the Air Ministry on 13th December to say that Flight Lieutenant Sams was seriously ill. On the following day, another telegram was received announcing that he had died of pneumonia. (This was almost certainly contracted as a result of the Spanish Flu pandemic of the time). In writing to the family, the Commanding Officer at Vendome said that Flt Lt Sams was a splendid pilot and was most popular with his brother officers and with the pupils under his charge.

The Upton News commented that it was particularly sad for Mr and Mrs Sams whose four sons: Section Officer Archie W. Sams (Naval Transport), Flight Lieutenant Gordon F. Sams (RAF), Lieutenant Leslie G. Sams (Royal Fleet Auxiliary) and the deceased had all survived the dangers of war, only for the youngest to be cut off on the threshold of his career. The paper also pointed out that Miss V. Maud Sams was a driver with the American Red Cross.

A memorial Service was held in Upton Parish Church on Thursday, 19th December 1918, conducted by Canon Edmundson, the Rector. The funeral took place on Monday, 16th December.

A photograph of Flight Lieutenant M.A.. Sams of Upton can be found in Berrow’s Worcester Journal Supplement, Saturday 4th January 1919, available at Worcestershire Archives.

Berrow’s Worcester Journal Supplement researched by Sandra Taylor.