Private George Blake
| Date of Birth | c.1899 |
|---|---|
| Age at Death | 19 |
| Date of Death | 23 September 1918 |
| Service Number | 35047 |
| Military Service | "B" Coy, 9th Battalion, East Surrey Regiment |
| Merton Address | 9 Fullerton Road, Wandsworth |
| Local Memorial | Mitcham War Memorial |
Additional Information
George was born in Battersea, in 1899. He was one of twins, and he and his brother John were baptised at St Stephen’s Church, Battersea on 9 November 1899. His mother Claribel and father Joseph were living at 47 Henry Street in Battersea at the time.
In 1911 the family were living in a four roomed house in 93 Alma Road, Battersea. Father Joseph was employed as a Manufacturer’s Clerk. The family was a large one, and the other children were Lilian aged 15, Joseph 13, twin brother John 12, Ivy 10, Dorothy 7 and Marjorie aged 1. Another sibling had sadly died. George was aged 12 and was still at school.
George enlisted on 2nd October 1916 aged 17 years and 11 months while living at 9 Fullerton Road, Wandsworth. He was 5ft 5 inches in height and described as “underweight - will develop”. His occupation was as a Factory Clay Worker. He joined “B” Company, 9th Battalion, East Surrey Regiment.
The Battalion were part of the 72nd Brigade in the 24th Division and would have taken part in actions at the Battle of the Somme. On 23 September 1918, George’s Battalion was in trenches in the St Emile Sector near Cite St. Pierre. The Battalion's War Diary for 23 September 1918 states that shelling caused seven casualties, five of whom died, and two men were wounded. George died of wounds on that day, so it is possible that he was one of the casualties.
George is buried at the Aix-Noulette Communal Cemetery, France and his grave is marked with a Cross. He is also commemorated locally on the Mitcham War Memorial.