Joseph Blenkinsopp

Joseph Blenkinsopp was born in 1896 in Aycliffe, son of Robert and Thomasina Blenkinsopp. In the 1911 census they lived in the High Street in Aycliffe. Both father and son were butchers. Joseph had 9 brothers and sisters.

Joseph attested 27 August, 1914. He was 19 years, 147 days old. He was 5' 8 1/4" tall, weighed 144 lbs and had a 37" chest. He had blue eyes and fair hair. Joseph was a railway porter at this time. One month later Joseph joined the General Service 51 Royal Field Artillery, 90189.

Dates of his postings are hard to read. 11 May, 1915 he embarked at Southampton and arrived at Le Havre the next day. He had leave to the UK 19 December, 1916 to 29 December, 1916. 19 October, 1917 he was apponted A/Bombr, vice"George" died of wds. Joseph was admitted as wounded this day and then rejoined from hospital 25 October, 1917.

23 November, 1917, Joseph was appointed Act. Full Bombr (Paid) vice"27608 Fellows"

30 November , 1917 to 14 December, 1917, Joseph was on leave to the United Kingdom.

28 February, 1918 to 29 March, 1918 Joseph was at the 7th Corps School on P & B T Course.

4 July to 19 July Joseph was at the Rest Camp II Army. He then had his pay increased 4d on Completion of 4 years Service.

1 November to 7 November Joseph was admitted with influenza.

3 January 1919 Joseph had leave to the UK via Boulogne.

9 February he had influenza again, returning to duty 16 March when he then embarked for UK on posting to Dispersal Centre for Demobilization.