Name
Jesse Blackwell
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
561992
Labour Corps
Eastern Command
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
Not Yet Researched
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
Headstone Inscription
Not Researched
UK & Other Memorials
Biography
Jesse Blackwell was first identified in the Absent Voter Records for Abbots Langley for Autumn 1918, Spring 1919, and Autumn 1919 where his address was given at Railway Terrace, Abbots Langley. His brother William Blackwell also served in the Great War, and was also identified from the Absent Voter Records. Neither man was included in any other Parish records. Jesse’s Service Record has survived and indicated that he attested at Watford on 10th February 1916. He was posted to the Army Reserve and was called for a Medical at Bedford on 12th March 1917, and mobilised to the 5th Lancers on 4th April. On 11th April 1917 Jesse was posted to the 1st Reserve Cavalry Regiment which was based at The Curragh in Ireland at the time.
On 25th August 1917 Jesse was admitted to hospital having badly cut two fingers on his right hand in an accident involving a Chaff Cutter whilst he was on Leave. He returned to his unit on 17th October 1917. Jesse was transferred to the Infantry and joined the 5th Battalion of the Middlesex Regiment on 14th January 1918. But seven days later, on 21st January he was transferred back to the Cavalry as it was discovered that there had been an administrative error and his transfer from the Cavalry had not been sanctioned by the General Officer Commanding (G.O.C). Matters were quickly resolved and Jesse found himself back with the Infantry at the Depot of the 5th Middlesex on 26th January 1918. He remained with this unit until 10th August 1918 when he was transferred to the Eastern Command of the Labour Corps.
On 28th November 1918 Jesse married Elsie Violet Kealing at the Baptist Chapel at Abbots Langley. His Service Record noted that his wife continued to live at 1 Hancourt Terrace, Downes Road, Enfield for the remainder of the War, presumably at the home of her parents.
Jesse found that he was not eligible for demobilisation on 14th April 1919, and remained with the Labour Corps. He was finally sent for a Medical at Park Royal on 26th September 1919, and then was sent to the Dispersal Centre at Purfleet on 10th October. He was demobilised to 30 Railway Terrace, Abbots Langley the next day, 11th October 1919.
Jesse Blackwell was born on 24th January 1894 at Abbots Langley. He was one of five children (four sons and one daughter) born to George and Mary Blackwell. In the 1901 Census the family lived at Railway Terrace, Abbots Langley, where George worked as a Coal Merchant and Coal Labourer. By the time of the 1911Census the family still remained at Railway Terrace, where they had lived from before 1881. George continued to work as a Coal Merchant, and Jesse was listed working as a Coal Carter, presumably employed in the family business by his father. When he enlisted in February 1916 he gave his occupation as Coal Carman, and his address at 30 Railway Terrace, Abbots Langley.
Jesse Blackwell survived the War, as did his elder brother William.
Additional Information
Formerly 95133 and 5th Lancers; 1st Reserve Cavalry Regiment; 5th Battalion Middlesex Regiment
Acknowledgments
Roger Yapp - www.backtothefront.org
