Friday, 30 May 2025

Sydney George Blazey and Nelly White

Portsmouth Naval Memorial on Southsea Common, Panels 85 to 90.

Sydney George Blazey (b. 1 July 1888 in Fulham, London), son of William Blazey and Mary Anne Clarke, married Nelly White (b. 21 Feb 1891 in Westminster, London), the daughter of John Charles White and Sarah Elizabeth Saunders, reportedly on 30 May 1915 in Southwark.

The couple's only child was:

  1. Edwin Sidney Blazey b. 14 Jan 1920 at Electric Light Station, Napier Road, Kensington (1920 M Qtr in KENSINGTON Vol 01A Page 200)

Sidney George Blazey had served with the British Army during World War I, as very shortly after he and Nelly had married, on 18 Sep 1915, Bombardier Sidney George Blazey, Royal Field Artillery, his medal card shows, had disembarked in France. (The Royal Artillery in the First World War).

In 1921, at Holland Mews, Kensington were Sidney George Blazey (32), Substation Attendant, Electricity Supply, employed by Notting Hill Electric Lighting Co Ltd; Nellie Blazey (30) and Edwin Sidney Blazey (1).

In 1939, at 9 Holland Mews, West Holland Park, Kensington And Chelsea, were Sidney G Blazey, Electricity Sub Station Attendant; Nellie Blazey and Nancy W J Adams (b. 1909), Clerk To School Governors (Lodger?).

Petty Officer Supply Edwin Sydney Blazey (known as Eddie) served in the Royal Navy on board HMS Janus, Service No. P/MX 61137.

On 22 Jan 1944, HMS Janus "Provided naval gunfire support during assault phase" [of the Battle of Anzio]. On 23 Jan 1944, she was hit by torpedo during air attack off Anzio and sank with heavy loss of life when magazine exploded. 94 survivors were rescued, but 158 of ship’s company lost their lives. Eddie Blazey, who was my 2nd cousin twice removed, was one of those who died at sea that day, aged 24. He is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial on Southsea Common, Panel 87, Column 1.

Sydney George Blazey of 29 Lymescote Gardens, Sutton, Surrey, died on 3 Jul 1969, just two days after his 81st birthday. Probate was granted on 11 May 1973, on his estate worth £819, which was after Nelly Blazey's death, on 3 Jan 1973. Probate on her estate of £700 had been granted the day before her late husband's, on 10 May 1973. Neither lists a beneficiary.