John's Story.
John was the son of Charles (a shipwright who died in 1923) and Clara (died 1949) Blinston, and was one of 8 children. He worked at the Weston Point Salt Works with his elder brother William, before he enlisted into the Cheshires in November 1914, going to France in Easter of 1915. He was reported as MIA in May 1915, during which the 2nd Bttn of the Cheshires were involved in an atttack on Frezenberg Ridge. His family received a field card stating he was well. It is thought that he might be a prisoner of war, but he was later presumed killed in action.
He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium Panel 19.
He is also commemorated on the Runcorn War Memorial on Greenway Road.
His sister Ada, married William Davidson, who was KIA on 19th April 1917 in the 2nd Battle of Gaza.
His younger brother Ernest, born around 1897 joined the 5th Cheshires as Reg No 3565 and was later 241072. He received the Silver War Badge. B172360, and was discharged on 11th April 1919.