D-Coy., Essex Scottish. The son of Mr. and Mrs. John Mears.

John Mears and his two brothers Jack and Fred served in the Great War. Jack was killed Fred survived. Alf had a younger brother Ronald, also of the Essex Scottish, who transferred to the RCA., who was injured in an accident in Newfoundland and accidental explosion that killed five men. Prior to his enlistment Alfred was employed at the American Pad & Textile Company on Richmond St., Chatham.

Then you’ll discover bye and bye

The someone caring so much,

  was I.

Alf Mears parents had plenty to worry about after the raid on Dieppe and knowing their son ewould likely be involved. The cable message “All well and safe. Please don’t worry. All my love. – Alf. Since the telegram member of Alfs’ family had noticed that his name had been mentioned in one of the CBC’s Ross Munro’s “gripping storieds of the attack.”

Curator’s note: Ross Munro was one off the best war reporters of WWII filing reports on the Dieppe raid and the 6 June, 1944 D-Day landings scooping everyone else with his reports from the beach.

Munro reported that Pte. Alf. Mears along with Pte. J. Ellwood and Pte. Mison (both of Windsor) found themselves “stranded on the Dieppe beach after they had stormed the fortifications. Hearing the sound of the retreat whistle, and with no barges near the beach, they divested themselves of their uniforms and swam out to a barge a considerable distance from the shore.They arrived in England wearing a variety of garments.” His family was awaiting more details from his next letter home.

Alf had been in England for more than two years, age 36 years old at the time of the Dieppe raid. CDN 29/08/42(P).

Went overseas July 1940. Was in Dieppe Raid also served in Francis, Holland, Belgium and Germany.

Discharged September 6th, 1945.

A photo appeared in the Windsor Star (date unknown) repoting that Pte. A. G. Mears of the Essex Scottish who had been overseas for two years, “has returned uninjured from Dieppe”. WS(P).

Enlisting with the Essex Scottish Pte. Mears

Who had been overseas for a number of years when he wrote the following message to his “Mother and Dad”.

Some cares a lot for you

Wherever you are, what ever you

   do;

Cares if you’re troubled or ill or

  sad

Cares if you’re happy, well or glad.

Somebody loves your voice, your

  smile

The touch of your hand that

  makes life worth while,

And some day perhaps, as the

  years roll on

You’ll look behind on the road

  we’ve gone.

Then you’ll discover bye and bye

The someone caring so much,

  was I.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Sources	CFF-FD44, KCFA, StAUC-RH, IODE, CDN 25/07/45.
Supplemental Information	Prior to his enlistment Alfed was employed at the American Pad & Textile Company on Richmond St., Chatham.

Birthplace	Wallacetown, Ontario
Religion	United Church
Last Place of Employment	American Pad & Textile Company
When Enlisted	1939
Next of Kin	Mother- Mrs. John Mears

---

Notice something wrong with this record? Or, do you have something to add? Report it using our online form.