Bertie BLAKEY

02 November 1917

BLAKEY - At Cannock Chase Hospital, Rugeley, from septic poisoning, Private Herbert Blakey, Training Reserve Battalion, of Grassington, aged 18 years.

BLAKEY - October 18th, at Cannock Chase Hospital, Rugeley, of 'C' Company, T.R.B., Herbert, beloved son of Mr. and Mrs. Blakey, Grassington, aged 18 years.

02 November 1917

GRASSINGTON - DIED FROM SEPTIC POISONING

We regret to record the death of Private Herbert Blakey, who died from septic poisoning at Cannock Chase Hospital, Rugeley, while undergoing training there in the Training Reserve Battalion. Deceased, who was only 18 years of age, was a fine, promising lad, well liked, and highly respected by all who knew him, and eager to do his bit for his King and Country.

His body was brought to Grassington and buried with military honours in Linton Churchyard on October 22nd. The coffin, which was draped with a Union Jack and covered with wreaths, including those from his officers and the men at the training camp, was carried to the grave by his former schoolmates. Along the route blinds were drawn, and in every way the village people showed their sorrow at parting with one who had always been liked and respected amongst them, and who, although he did no actual fighting, yet has found a hero's grave. A firing party accompanied the cortege, and at the graveside fired three volleys and solemnly sounded the 'Last Post'. The service was taken by the Rev. J. Leighton, B.A., rector; and the lesson was read by the Rev. R. Scott Frayn, B.A., Wesleyan minister. The church was packed with friends to pay their last respects to the memory of the deceased. The Dead March in 'Saul' was beautifully played by Mrs. Lewis. Much sympathy is felt for Mr. and Mrs. Blakey and family in their sad bereavement.

18 October 1918

BLAKEY - In ever loving memory of our dear son, Private Bertie Blakey, who died October 18th, 1917, at Cannock Chase Hospital, Rugeley, Staffordshire, aged 18 years.

Never a night falls, never a morning dawns,
But what we think of him we loved so well;
How sadly we miss him in our home
Only those who have lost can tell.

From his loving Father, Mother, and Family, Rock Terrace, Grassington.

17 October 1919

BLAKEY - In ever loving memory of our dear son, Private Bertie Blakey, who died October 18th, 1917, at Cannock Chase Hospital, Rugeley Camp, Staffordshire, aged 18 years.

We often think of you, dear son,
And our hearts are sad with pain;
All this world would be like Heaven
Could we hear your voice again.
In our home you are fondly remembered,
Sweet memories cling around your name;
True hearts that in life loved you dearly
Will love you in death just the same.

From his loving Father and Mother and the Family, Rock Terrace, Grassington.

15 October 1920

BLAKEY - In ever loving memory of our dear son, Private Bertie Blakey, who died October 18th, 1917, at Cannock Chase Hospital, Rugeley Camp, Staffordshire, aged 18 years.

Fondly we love him - he is dear to us still,
But in grief we must bend to God's holy will.
Our sorrow is great, our loss hard to bear,
But the angels, dear loved one, will guard thee with care.

From his loving Father and Mother and the Family, Rock Terrace, Grassington.

14 October 1921

BLAKEY - In ever loving memory of our dear son, Private Bertie Blakey, who died October 18th, 1917, at Cannock Chase Hospital, Rugeley Camp, Staffordshire, aged 18 years.

He has gone, and to us he will never return;
To his voice we shall listen no more:
But the love that we bore him will dwell in each breast,
Till we meet him again in the realms of the blest.

From his loving Father and Mother and Family, Rock Terrace, Grassington.