Frederick John Blunt
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
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Frederick John Blunt was the fourth son of Thomas and Jane Ann Blunt. Nine of their children who were alive at the time of the 1911 census were: Bessie/Betsy (b.1880), Alice (b.1882), Eliza (b.1884), William (b.1886), Joseph (b.1888), Thomas (b.1890), Frederick John (b.1893), Mary Ann (b.1896), Mark (b.1897). All but the eldest two children were born in New Basford. The family homes in the Nottingham area from the censuses were: 20 Ford Street, New Basford [C.1891], 64 Saville Street, Hyson Green [C.1901] and 10 Haven Street, Radford [C.1911 & n.e.p.25.11.18]. Thomas Blunt was usually described as a labourer but by the time of the 1911 census he was employed as a labourer at the local gasworks. He eventually died in Nottingham aged 65 in 1923. His wife died the same year aged 62.
Originally enlisted in the Army Reserve on 12 July 1911 at Nottingham. Embarked for France as a Private on 11 November 1914; initially served with the 2nd Bn. Sherwood Foresters. Promoted to Lance Corporal 21 June 1915; Corporal 9 August 1915; Lance Sergeant 8 October 1915; Sergeant 4 May 1917. Suffered gunshot wound to left leg 12 September 1916, initially treated in a casualty clearing station, then sent on to hospital at Etaples; subsequently brought back to Brighton on 17 September 1916. Went back to France 28 February 1917. Suffered effects of gas shell attack on 17 August 1917; brought back to England 22 August 1917 (having been treated in hospital for 42 days) he was then sent on sick furlough to recover. 12 October 1917 he was posted to 4th Bn. Sherwood Foresters; on 11 December 1917 to the 17th Bn. Sherwood Foresters; and on 8 February 1918 he was posted to 9th Bn. Sherwood Foresters; killed in action; buried in Sebourg British Cemetery, Nord, France.
Nottingham Evening Post obituary (abridged) 25 November 1918: BLUNT, killed in action November 4th 1918, Frederick John Blunt in his 26th year, fourth son of Mr and Mrs T Blunt, 10 Haven Street, Radford. Mother, father, sisters and four brothers.
