Private C. H. Blake - 285443

According to his attestation papers dated June 15, 1916 at Toronto, Charles Herbert Blake of Melrose Street, Mimico was born on April 27, 1897 on the Isle of Wight, England.  He listed his mother, Mrs. Paulina Blake, Melrose Street, Mimico as his next of kin.  He was a plumber and had 2 months previous military experience with 126th O.S. Battalion and 2 months with the 84th Battalion.  He was also an active member of the 12th Regiment, York Rangers.  He was 19 years and 2 months of age and stood 5 feet 6 inches in height.  He had grey eyes, brown hair and a fair complexion.  He had a scar on his right knee.  He was a member of the Church of England.

His brother Leonard also enlisted.

He was a Private in "A" Company, 75th Battalion, Canadian Infantry (Central Ontario Regiment) when he was killed on September 2, 1918.  According to the CEF death register "this soldier was killed during the attack and capture of the ridge and sunken road at the storming of Drocourt-Queant Switch Line, between the town of Dury and the Arras Cambrai Road".  He was buried at Dury Mill British Cemetery in France.  According to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website he was the son of Herbert and Pauline Blake, of 33 Norval Avenue, West Toronto. Born at Carisbrooke, Isle of Wight, England.

Article courtesy of the Virtual Canadian War Memorial