Career
Blenkiron was commissioned as a temporary second lieutenant in the Prince Albert"s (Somerset Light Infantry) regiment on 19 October 1915. He joined the Royal Flying Corps, being appointed a flying officer (observer) on 15 November 1916, with seniority from 21 March 1916. He flew as an observer with Number.
22 Squadron on the Western Front from 17 March to 8 August 1916, as an observer/gunner in the front of a FE.2b pusher.
He then served with Number. 23 Squadron from 5 to 14 October 1916, transferring to Number.
25 Squadron on 3 December 1916, again as an observer on the FE.2b. He scored his first success by destroying a Halberstadt Doctorate.III on 23 January 1917.
On 1 March 1917 Blenkiron was promoted to lieutenant.
After recovering from his wound he trained as a pilot, and was appointed a flying officer on 10 November 1917. He was assigned to Number. 56 Squadron on 3 December 1917.
Flying the Royal Aircraft Factory Southeast.5a he scored two victories with Number.
56, driving down an Albatros Doctorate.V on 15 December 1917 and a German two-seater on 25 January 1918. He was later transferred back to England as one of the original pilots of Number.
151 Squadron, the Royal Air Force"s first dedicated night fighter squadron. He accompanied this unit back into combat in France, and flying Sopwith Camel Number.
D9577, and forced down a Friedrichshafen G.III of Bogohl 3, which was captured.
Blenkiron struggled after returning to civilian life, having a nervous breakdown, and losing much of his money to card sharps. He was declared bankrupt on 20 February 1919, and was charged with fraud in obtaining cr while bankrupt. On 20 March 1920 Blenkiron was found dead in a room at the Ashdown Park Hotel, Coulsdon, Surrey.
