Charles John Blake

Story:
Charles John Blake was born in 1898 in Manswood, Moor Critchel, Nr.Wimborne, Dorset. He was the son of Charles Blake, a gardener, and Edith Amy Blake (née Sampson). At the time of the 1911 Census, he was living at Cliff Cottage, Alcester, Shaftesbury, Dorset. He enlisted as a Private with the 5th Battalion of the Dorsetshire Regiment (Service No. 18972) but later transferred to the 2nd Battalion of the Devonshire Regiment (New Service No. 30810). He served in France and Flanders and was awarded the Victory and British War Medals. He was presumed killed in action on 28th July 1917 and his name appears on the Menin Gate Memorial at Ypres (Panel 21). He is also remembered on the Park Walk and St. James’ War Memorials, in Shaftesbury as well as the Roll of Honour inside St. James’ Church and on the Holy Trinity Memorial Plaque, now in St. Peter's Church, Shaftesbury.