Walter Edward Blake
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Walter was the second son of Edward Blake and his first wife, Louisa Amy (née Cheetham). His father Edward was born in Stamford, Lincolnshire, in 1867 and his mother Louisa was born in Blyth, Nottinghamshire, also in 1867. They were married in 1889 (reg. Stamford) and had four children who were born in Retford: William Percival birth registered 1890 (J/F/M), Walter Edward b. 1892, Cecil Arthur b. 1895 and Kathleen Amy b. March 1899. Edward, a tailor, his wife and their son William were living in Retford in 1891. Louisa died on 9 December 1899 at 46 Ollerton Road, Retford, nine months after the birth of her fourth child, Kathleen. Edward, his four children and his housekeeper, Susan Bowskill (b. Retford 1864) were living at 46 Ollerton Road, Retford, in 1901. Edward and Susan were married later that year and had two daughters, Clara Elizabeth b. 1902 and Edna Muriel b. 1903. The family had moved to 35 Trent Street, Retford, by 1911. Five of Edward's six children were in the home on the night of the census: Walter a tailor's apprentice, Cecil an iron turner's apprentice, and Kathleen, Clara and Edna who were school age. Also in the household was an 'adopted child,' Harry Pigott (1). The eldest son, William, has not yet been traced on the census. Edward and his wife Susan were still living at 35 Trent Street in 1939 when the England and Wales Register was compiled. Edward died on 10 March 1942 and Susan in 1948 (reg. J/F/M). Walter's younger brother, Cecil, who had joined the LNER on 13 August 1913 as a signalman based at Nottingham East & West Boxes, attested on 11 December 1915. Cecil was transferred to the Army Reserve the following day and was not mobilised until 20 July 1917. He joined the York & Lancaster Regiment (42507 Private) and was posted to BEF France for Italy on 28 November 1917, embarking 29 November and joining the 8th Battalion York & Lancaster Regiment. Service: Italy 1 December 1917-11 May 1919. Home on furlough 12 May 1919-26 May 1919. Italy 27 May 1919-13 September 1919. Malta 14 September 1919-21 October 1919. Home 22 October 1919-13 December 1919. He was discharged from the army to 35 Trent Lane, Retford. William Percival married Elizabeth Ellen Parkes at Sneinton St Christopher, Nottingham, in November 1917. The marriage certificate gave his occupation as 'soldier' although no military records have yet been traced.
Royal Field Artillery Walter died of pneumonia at the Armstrong College Hospital, Newcastle, on 29 January 1915. He had served in the army for only three weeks. He was buried in East Retford Cemetery (Old portion. C.Z.69) following a service at St Swithun's church.
Retford and Worksop Herald and North Notts Advertiser, ‘Deaths,’ 16 December 1899: ‘Blake. On December 9th at 46 Ollerton road, Retford, Louisa Amy Blake, aged 32 years.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) CWGC additional information: 'Son of Edward and Louisa Amy Blake, of 35, Trent St., Retford.' Retford and Worksop Herald and North Notts Advertiser, 2 February 1915: ‘Death of Driver WE Blake. One of the most sad incidents in regard to the war is to be recorded in the short period of service for his country of Driver Blake, son of Mr and Mrs Blake, of Trent-street, Retford. He went from Retford to Newcastle three weeks ago with a friend to join the Royal Field Artillery, and within three weeks from the day of his departure his body was brought home to be buried in the Retford cemetery. He took to his soldier’s life well and had been promised the rank of bombardier, but a chill during training brought on pneumonia, and within five days from the start of the illness he died. At the Armstrong College Hospital everything possible was done to save his life, and Mr Blake, who arrived in time to spend the last hours with his son, speaks in high terms of the kindness and consideration shown by the military authorities. The military part of the funeral took place at Newcastle yesterday and deceased will be interred at Retford this afternoon. Blake was only 22 years of age.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Retford Times 5 Feb 1915: Driver Walter Edward Blake 'The death occurred at the Armstrong College Hospital, Newcastle on Friday last of Driver Walter Edward Blake, RFA, son of Mr Edward Blake, Trent Street, Retford, at the early age of 22. Deceased was only ill about six days and death was due to pneumonia. He enlisted in the army three weeks ago with a friend named Harold Harvey, also from Retford and soon gained esteem and respect of his comrades at Newcastle. He was formerly employed along with his father by the late Mr C J Merryweather, Bridegate, as a tailor. The coffin was conveyed from hospital to the railway station at Newcastle on a gun carriage and was accompanied by a firing party and en route the Military Band played the “Dead March”. The funeral took part at the Retford cemetery on Tuesday, the first part of the service being conducted in St Swithun’s Church.' The report continued with a list of mourners including his father and stepmother, brothers William and Cecil and step-sisters (sic) Kathleen, Clara and Edna. East Retford Cemetery, headstone inscription: ‘In loving memory of Louisa Amy the beloved wife of Edward Blake who died December 9th 1899 aged 32 years. Also of Driver Walter Edward RFA second son of the above who died January 28th 1915 aged 22 years. Until the last roll call. Also Edward husband of the above who died March 10th 1942 aged 74 years.’ Research by Colin Dannatt
