2431 (550590) Sapper FRANCIS F.C. BLAKE
Royal Engineers
Francis Blake enlisted in the 3rd (London) Field Company, Royal Engineers. This unit was later redesignated the 517th (London) Field Company and served with the 47th Division. His original Territorial number was 2431. This number was changed to 550590 when the unit designation was changed in January of 1917.
According to Blake's Medal Index Card, he served in Egypt, arriving there on the 22nd of November 1915. This information does not agree with the known deployment of the 517th Field Company which served in the France and Flanders theatre of the war.
Blake survived the war and was discharged on the 20th of April 1917. The reason for his early discharge is not known. For his service during the Great War Blake is entitled to the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
REFERENCES:
1. Medal Index Card. Public Record Office, London.
2. Battle Honours of the Royal Engineers. The Royal Engineer
Journal, 1925-1932.