Name
John William Blanchard
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
04/10/1916
18
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Sapper
152099
Royal Engineers
58th M.A. Sect.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
ARRAS MEMORIAL
Bay 1.
France
Headstone Inscription
Not Researched
UK & Other Memorials
Not on the Hitchin memorials*1
Pre War
John was born on 10 November 1897 Luton, was resident in South Sigston in Leicestershire and enlisted in Leicester. He was recorded as the son of John and Emily Blanchard of 5, Dacre Road, Hitchin. However, that address was given after his death, when he enlisted his parents’ address was given as South Wigston, Leics. and they were still there in 22 March 1917. When the military wrote to his father to confirm the address to send his Death Plaque, in August 1919, the letter was returned marked not known so by then they had moved to Hitchin.
It would seem that John has no personal association with Hitchin or Hertfordshire, other than his parents moved to Hitchin after his death and the earliest document found to this Hitchin address is dated 8 January 1920, when his effects were sent there.
Some records have him born Luton and was living in South Wigston, Leics. When he enlisted in Leicester, however is service record gives Luton, Beds. At the time of his enlistment his parent were living South Wigston, Leics.
Wartime Service
He enlisted 22 November 1915 and landed in France 20 July 1918.
He was initially 23984 in the 3rd Battalion of the Leicestershire Regiment (58th Motor Airline Sect. R.E.) but later he held the Service Number 152099 in the Corps of Royal Engineers. He was killed in action in France.
He has no known grave and is remembered on the Arras Memorial to the Missing in France.
Additional Information
After his death £4 13s 11d pay owing was authorised to go to his father, John, on 22 March 1917. Later a war gratuity of £3 was authorised to be paid to him on 8 January 1920.
*1 See details above but It would seem that John has no personal association with Hitchin or Hertfordshire, other than his parents moved to Hitchin after his death.
Acknowledgments
David C Baines, Jonty Wild
