Private William Blaylock
20169 6th East Lancashire Regiment
Killed in Action 19th October 1917, aged 19
Lived at 10 Godley Street
Commemorated on the Basra Memorial, Iraq
St Peters Memorial, Burnley
Burnley Express 3rd November 1917

William Blaylock was born in Burnley the son of George and Mary Ann Blaylock of 10 Godley Street, Burnley. He enlisted in Burnley as Private 20169 in the 6th Battalion., East Lancashire Regiment

Joined Up At Sixteen. (Burnley Express 3/11/1917 (P))

Mrs Blaylock, of 10 Godley Street, Burnley has received official news that her son Pte. William Blaylock, 20169 of the East Lancashire Regiment, was killed in Mesopotamia on October 19th. Deceased attained the age of 19 years on October 15th only 4 days before his death. He joined the army in April 1915 when he was only 16 years of age. Two of his brothers have also served their country in the army. One of them is now discharged owing to gunshot wounds, but George who belongs to the Loyal North Lancashires, is still serving in France.
The deceased soldier sailed on the 4th January 1916, and it was only owing to his age that he did not sail on the Royal Edward on which boat one of his chums lost his life when she went down. Prior to entering the army he was a weaver at Ferndale Mill and was on the roll of honour of St Peter’s School. He was also in the choir at St Peter’s for six years. Whilst in Mesopotamia he has seen some heavy fighting and was in the Baghdad affair. Thirteen of his cousins are serving with the forces.

The 6th Battalion War Diary reported:-
“19th October 1917. 38th Brigade was ordered to take villages of Murjriryin and Mansuriyah. Operations commenced at 4am and right flank of battalion passed through Murjriryin about 6am. Advance was continued on Mansuriyah. Snipers were met and successfully cleared leaving way for South Lancs who entered Mansuriyah about 10am. During these operations we lost 2 men killed and 6 wounded.”
The other man killed was Fred Leaver who was born and enlisted in Blackburn.

Notes.
William Blaylock was christened at St Peter’s Church on 22/11/1898. His Parents were George and Mary Ann Blaylock of 13 Brown Square. His father’s occupation was listed as joiner.

William Blaylock admitted to St Peter’s Infant School on 23/3/1903. He was born on 15/10/98 and his mother was M. Blaylock of 10 Godley Street. William was admitted to St Peter’s Mixed School on 6/8/1906 his father was George Blaylock and he was still living at 10 Godley Street. He left on 27/10/1911 for full time work.

In the Burnley Express (Nov 13 1917) Roll of Honour he was remembered by his brother George in France.

1901 Census – 13 Brown Square George Blaylock (43) joiner/carpenter, Mary Ann (42), Margaret (12) George F. (6) William (2). – all born in Burnley