Service highlights

• Name: Albert Thomas Blake
• Service number: 166055
• Born: 22 July 1878, Stanbridge, Bedfordshire, England
• Enlisted: 17 September 1915, London, Ontario
• Rank: Private
• Primary unit: 2nd Canadian Pioneer Battalion
• Next of kin: Wife, Mary Anne Blake
• Discharged: 2 April 1919

A Life and Service Remembered

Albert Thomas Blake was born in Stanbridge, Bedfordshire, England on 22 July 1878. When he enlisted in London, Ontario on 17 September 1915, he was a married man and listed his trade as labourer.

After joining the Canadian Expeditionary Force, he served with the 2nd Canadian Pioneer Battalion, a kind of unit that did the hard, essential work that kept an army moving. His record shows he landed in France at Le Havre on 8 March 1916, and later entries show he was transferred into machine gun service, including a posting recorded as the 14th M.G. Company.

His service file also shows the less visible side of service: illness and recovery. He spent time in medical care for medical issues, and later an operation related to his illnesses. In early 1919 he was admitted to the Military Convalescent Hospital at Woodcote Park, Epsom, and discharged a few weeks later.

Albert returned to Canada as the war ended and was discharged on demobilization in April 1919. He returned to his wife, Mary Anne Blake,

Major battles and operations

• 17 September 1915, enlisted in London, Ontario
• Served with 2nd Canadian Pioneer Battalion
• 8 March 1916, landed in France at Le Havre
• Transfer recorded to 14th M.G. Company

Learn More

https://livesofthefirstworldwar.iwm.org.uk/lifestory/5581901
https://canadiangreatwarproject.com/person.php?pid=720745
https://data2.archives.ca/e/e444/e011092732.pdf