Alfred Blake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Alfred Blake
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| Born | 6 October 1915 Gosport, Hampshire, England
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| Died | 17 November 2013 (aged 98) |
| Alma mater | University of London |
| Occupation | Solicitor |
| Years active | 1948–1999 |
| Known for | Director of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme |
| Awards | Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order Military Cross |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 Royal Marines |
| Years of service | 1939–1946 |
| Rank | Lieutenant colonel |
Sir Alfred Lapthorn Blake (born October 6, 1915 – died November 17, 2013) was a very important person in Britain. He was a lawyer, a brave officer in the Royal Marines, and a local politician. He even served as the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth City Council and led the famous Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme for many years.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Alfred Blake was born in Gosport, England, on October 6, 1915. He went to a private school called Dauntsey's School from 1926 to 1932. Later, he studied law at the University of London. He earned his law degree in June 1938. By the end of 1938, he was a qualified lawyer, also known as a solicitor.
Military Service in World War II
When World War II began, Alfred Blake volunteered to join the military. He was one of the first 14 regular citizens to become an officer in the Royal Marines during the war. He also attended a special training course for army leaders.
Fighting in Italy and Albania
In 1943, he was sent to Italy. He worked as a major for Brigadier Tom Churchill's special military group. He was part of the Allied landings at Anzio in January 1944. This was a big military operation where soldiers landed from the sea.
Later, he landed in Albania. He helped capture the city of Sarandë on October 9, 1944. He also helped free the island of Corfu on October 14, 1944.
Leading 45 Commando
In December 1944, he became the second-in-command of a unit called 45 Commando in the Netherlands. In January 1945, his unit faced tough attacks from German soldiers.
In March 1945, his commanding officer was hurt. Alfred Blake then took charge of 45 Commando. He led them across several rivers, including the Maas, Rhine, Weser, Aller, and Elb. In April 1945, he returned to the UK. He was in charge of a Commando training unit in North Wales. He officially became a lieutenant colonel in September 1945.
Alfred Blake left the military in February 1946 after the war ended.
Life After the War
After leaving the military, Alfred Blake helped create the Royal Marines Association. This group supports Royal Marines, both past and present, and their families.
A Career in Law
In 1948, he joined Blake Lapthorn, a law firm in Portsmouth. His grandfather had started this firm in 1869. He became a partner in the firm in 1949. He retired as a senior partner in 1985 but continued to work as a consultant until 1999.
Public Service and Community Work
Alfred Blake was also an elected councillor for Portsmouth City Council. He led the Education Committee, which helps schools. He was even the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth from 1958 to 1959. This is a very important role in the city.
He also spent a lot of his time helping others. From 1966 to 1978, he was the director of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. This scheme helps young people develop new skills and serve their communities. He was also a school governor for Portsmouth Girls' High School and Dauntsey's School. He was an active member of the Rotary Club for over 60 years.
Sir Alfred Blake passed away on November 17, 2013, in Port Royal, South Carolina, at the age of 98.
Awards and Recognition
Alfred Blake received several important awards for his service and hard work.
- In June 1945, he was given the Military Cross (MC). This award was for his "courage, tenacity, and skill" during the war.
- In 1975, he was made a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO).
- In 1979, he was promoted to Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO). This was for his great work with the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. Being a Knight Commander means he could use the title "Sir."
- In 1991, he became a Deputy Lieutenant (DL) of Hampshire. This is a special role that helps the Lord-Lieutenant of the county.
- In 2003, he was given the Freedom of the City of Portsmouth. This is a special honor given to people who have done a lot for the city.
