Peterborough & The Great War

Biography

Cecil Blyth was born in Norwich to parents James Blyth (a self employed wood turner) and Margaret Marina.  In 1901, the family included four children and they lived at 87 Carrow Road, Nowich, but by 1911, the family had moved to Cowgate Street.

On 11 November 1914, Cecil Victor Edward Blyth joined the Chatham Division of the Royal Marines Light Infantry. It is clear now that he lied about his age in order to enlist and his record notes ‘under age until 20 July 1915′.  On 01 August 1915, he joined HMS Campania as a Private. Unfortunately, his service record has not been located but the visitors’ book entry dated 10 August 1916, reveals he was a private still serving on HMS Campania, a converted cruise liner that had a flight deck added, making it an early aircraft carrier.  On 06 November 1918, he was posted to the Chatham Division Royal Marines and extended his service period in 1927 for a further three years.

In December 1930, Cecil married Edith Martin at St Nicholas Church Medway, however, Edith sadly died in 1942.  In 1934, Corporal Blyth was awarded the Royal Navy Long Service and Good Conduct Medal whilst serving on HMS Valliant. Presumably retired, Cecil was mobilised briefly in 1938 and again on 24 August 1939.  Initially with the Mobile Naval Base Defence Organisation he moved to the Royal Marine Division as an Acting Sergeant in 1940.  He was promoted in 1944 to Drum Sergeant until final discharge in October 1945.  In 1949, he married Elizabeth Presland in Surrey.  No children have been found from either marriage.

Cecil passed away in Surrey in December 1977, aged 80.

Cecil Blyth has caused some confusion by appearing to sign his surname in the book as Blythe with an ‘e’ however, all records found, including his Baptism record and various military records, show his surname recorded as Blyth.

Please get in touch if you can tell us more about Cecil?