Private Charles Blakey
466498 7th Canadian Imperial Forces
Missing in Action 24th September 1916, aged 39
Lived in British Columbia
Commemorated on the Vimy Ridge Memorial, France
St Peters Memorial, Burnley

Charlie Blakey was born on July 20th 1877 the son of John and Mary Anne Blakey and lived at 21, Lindsay Street, Burnley. He was married to Phoebe Alice Blakey of 13335 63rd Street Edmonton Alberta. He moved to Canada in 1913 and enlisted in the Canadian Infantry in 1915 as Private 466498 in the 7th Battalion., Canadian Infantry (British Columbia Regiment).

“Burnley Canadian Dies Of Wounds. Well-known Burnley Baths Attendant. (Burnley Express 28/10/1916 (P))

Thousands of Burnley swimmers will regret to hear of the death from wounds in France on September 28th of Pte. Charlie Blakey of the Canadian Contingent, who was well known as attendant at the Central Burnley Baths for many years, and latterly at North Street Baths. Pte Blakey, who was 39 years of age, was a son of the late Mr John Blakey of Lindsay Street, and he married a daughter of the late Mr. George Nothard, the well known cab proprietor and driver. Pte Blakey was well known and widely respected in his position at the baths. He and Mrs Blakey went out to Edmonton, Alberta in Canada about three years ago. About twelve months since he enlisted in the Canadian contingent, and came over to England with his battalion. A little over four months ago he got a short leave, which he spent in Burnley, staying with his old friend Mr Wilson of Church Street. He then went out to France, having been at the front just about four months. He leaves a widow in Canada. Before leaving Burnley Pte Blakey had attended St Peter’s School all his life and for some years had acted as secretary. He was succeeded in that office by Pte. Yates, who was killed about a month ago, so that two secretaries of St Peter’s School have made the supreme sacrifice.”

“Killed Soldier’s Boy Chum” (Burnley Express 11/11/1916)

Pte Jim Bannister, Lancashire Fusiliers (4790) now in France, writes:- “I see by the Express of October 28th that Pte. Charles Blakey has died of wounds received Sept. 28th. I got wounded and crushed on Sept. 27th. I used to write to Blakey up to that date, for I have been his mate from boyhood, and I should like to get any address of his brothers and sisters. I came out here in Dec. 1914. I got invalided home Oct. 21, 1915 through the effects of gas on the 2nd of May, 1915. I came out a second time in Aug. 1916 and got wounded Sept. 27. I enlisted three days after the war broke out, and my home address is Hufling Lane. I get your paper every week and I am sorry to see the good old Burnley lads’ photos in the death roll. I am sure that anyone who had known Charlie Blakey would always respect him, for he was a proper Straightforward and honest lad – not a flaw in his character”.

Notes
Wedding at St Peter’s Church
2/8/08 Charlie Blakey, Bachelor, Assistant Baths Manager of 21 Lindsay Street, son of John Blakey , mechanic (retired) married Phoebe Ann Nothard, Spinster, dressmaker of 48 Lindsay Street, daughter of George H Nothard, cabdriver. The witnesses were Edward H. Warton and Ethel Hague.
Charlie Blakey was a witness at the wedding of Arthur Pollard at St Peter’s Church on 23/06/06.
In Burnley Express Roll of honour for November 11th 1916 “from his sorrowing wife of North Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. “
1901 Census – 21 Lindsay Street – John Blakey (62) mechanical stoker fitter,
Mary Ann (63), Charlie (23) weaver.

His wife’s address was given by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission as 2330 Royal Oak Avenue, New Westminster, British Columbia..
His enlistment papers for the Canadian Forces list his occupation as janitor. His height was given as 5ft 5 ¾ ins and his girth 34 ¾ ins and he had served in the 101st Edmonton Fusiliers

Notes He was formerly Sunday School Secretary at St Peter’s Church and brother in law to Charlie Alderson. (who also emigrated to Canada and became a war casualty!)