238415 Pte. Christopher Blankley British Army 1/6th Btn. Sherwood Foresters from:Chesterfield Christopher Blankley was born in 1894 in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, England. He enlisted in April 1912 and became a private in the 6th Battalion, Sherwood Foresters (Notts & Derby Regiment), a unit of the Territorial Force. At the outbreak of war they were part of the Notts and Derby Infantry Brigade, North Midland Division and had their HQ at 10 Corporation Street, Chesterfield. They were mobilised for war service on 5th August 1914.
He arrived in France with the 46th Division in February 1915. Chris was wounded on 5th May 1915 at Kemmel, eight of his battalion were killed, most were from his home town. He was hospitalised until December 1915 when he rejoined his unit.
He was captured by the Germans in March 1917 at Gommecourt and was a POW at Misden and Munster POW Camps until the end of war. Chris returned home and continued in his battalion until March 1919. He was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Christopher Blankley married Lizzy and had six children with three surviving. He continued his pre-wartime occupation, and lived in Chesterfield all his life and died in March 1963 aged 68 years. He never mentioned his wartime experiences.
I am his granddaughter and now live in South Australia. I remember my granddad very clearly as a kind generous and friendly man and loving father and grandfather.
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