Stan Blake, who died at Bideford on 12th January 1976, joined the 3rd King’s Own Hussars in 1919. As a fully trained Cavalryman, he was posted to the 7th Queen’s Own Hussars, then about to proceed to India on their “short tour”.
A talented and keen athlete, Stan soon became popular, and successful as a welter-weight in the Regimental Boxing Team, in football and in swimming. He won the British Army-India Light Heavyweight Championship.
When the Regiment was posted home he represented the Army on numerous occasions and in 1926 he fought for the Southern Counties Light Heavyweight Championship being narrowly beaten on points. He also became an active member of the TrickRide.
In 1926 the Regimental Team fought its way to the finals of the Army Team Boxing Championship being narrowly beaten by the Royal Signals. Stan, after a very hard fight, was narrowly beaten by Sgmn Steward, then the British Army Heavy Weight Champion. He gave away nearly a stone.
He moved with the Regiment along the familiar stages, Edinburgh, Tidworth, Aldershot and on to Hounslow to prepare for the “long tour”. By this time Stan was Squadron Sergeant-Major of “B” Squadron. Using his athletic experience and effective persuasion, he welded a team to win the Inter-Squadron Shield. Commissioned in 1940, Stan took over as Quartermaster and was awarded the M.B.E. in 1941.
After the War he became a dedicated publican and, only a month or so before his death, a number of Old Comrades visited him and enjoyed a very pleasant evening.
Our sympathy goes to his widow, son and daughter.
