Blencowe Archibald Alexander 1924

Archibald Alexander Blencowe [2532]

1924-1998

Father Nm: Ernest Archibald Blencowe 1891–1931. BIRTH 1891 • Rochford, Essex
DEATH 15 FEB 1931 • Essex, England

Mother Nm: Harriet Spicer 1895–1984. BIRTH ABT 1895 • Hanwood, Shropshire, England. DEATH MAR 1984 • Newbury, Berkshire, England

Marriage Dt: Jul 1950 • Liverpool, Lancashire, United Kingdom

Kin comments: WW1 Father Ernest Archibald served with Royal Garrison Artillery. Uncle Henry Alexander served with the Royal Engineers, Grandfather Henry Blencowe 1863 served with Royal Artillery in the 1880’s.

WW2. Cousin Emily’s husband Sgt Robert Lee, 61 Anti Tank Bde was KIA at Normandy in 1944.

Spouse comments: Hannah Bridson 1928–1998
BIRTH 22 JAN 1928. DEATH MAY 1998 • West Berks, Berkshire, England

(Research): Ancestry

Oldest Known Ancestor: Thomas Blencowe, C1475, Marston St Lawrence.

Children:

Birth

OCT 1924 • Rochford, Essex

Before the War
1939 Census

Not with Mother a widow in Southend, Given father died at age 7, may have been adopted or with other family members.

WW2

Royal Engineers

Blencowe Archibald Alexander, 1877473, Acting WO 2nd Class, Royal Engineers.

1942-44

Note: No records to pinpoint enlistment and training but by 1946 was made an acting Warrant Office and was stationed in Burma. It is very likely then that sometime in 1942 Archibald enlisted and was for a period working his way up the ranks of the non commissioned. We don’t know where he served until 1945 so that is an open question, but it is fair to speculate that in the years 1943-44 he may have been with the Royal Engineers in India as the Allied forces first defended a Japanese attack and later crossed into Burma where Royal Engineer skills and know-how were needed for River crossings etc.

1945-46
The award for service in 1945-46 pinpoints regiments and timeline
  • Royal Engineers. Burma. The 1946 announcement below for actions in 1945.
    • “A A Blencowe  Acting Warrant Officer 2nd Class Service Number: 1877473
      Gazette :”The King is graciously pleased that the following be Mentioned in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Burma”  —https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/37730/supplement/4696
      Gazette Date:19/09/1946
      Gazette Page:4696
      Duty Location: Burma
      Royal Engineers”
Medals

We have no medal records but he was entitled to these medals for his service

Burma Star Medal
1939-45 Star medal

 

The War medal
General-Service-Medal-South-East-Asia-1945-46_General-Service-Medal-South-East-Asia-1945-46_General Service Medal South East Asia 1945-46
Sources
  1. BFA Database
  2. Forces War Records. War Office records, London Gazette.
  3. Ancestry Military Tree of Blencowes ww2
After the War
1957
  • 3 July. Archibald served after the war until at least 1957, as evidenced by this record of promotion.
    • “A A Blencowe: Army Order 6/58. Date of Qualification: 03/07/1957.
      Further Information: Army List No. 37.
      Rank: Warrant Officer Class 2 Service Number: 1877473
      Royal Engineers
      Archive Reference:WO102_29”
Gallery