Lapugnoy Military Cemetery, near Bethune

Family memorial at Mont a L'Abbe cemetery, Jersey

NEWS ITEM in Jersey Evening Post of Monday 29 April 1918

Jerseyman Wounded and in Hospital. We regret to hear that Private J Le Blancq of the Hampshire Regiment, a former employee of the Evening Post and an officer in the St James' Boys Brigade, has been dangerously wounded and removed to the base.

NEWS ITEM in Jersey Evening Post of Monday 6 May 1918

Roll of Honour. A few days ago we stated that the parents of Private John Le Blancq of the Hampshire Regiment, who reside at 14 Ann Street, had received news that their son had been seriously wounded and we now regret to chronicle the fact that they have received the following from the Reverend C B Greaves of the 22nd Casualty Clearing Station. The letter reads "BEF 30th April 1918. Dear Mrs Le Blancq, I wrote to you to tell you your son, Private J C Le Blancq, was dangerously wounded. He seemed to get on a bit but then fell off, although he was patient and cheerful to the end (27th inst) but for the last few days I do not think he was really conscious. I spoke to him an hour or so before he died and he was very cheerful and said he was very much better. I do not think he suffered much pain. It will be a great grief to you but you will always be proud of him, he did his duty and was faithful unto death, and that is a fine record for any man to leave behind. We laid him to rest in a quiet little soldier's cemetery where his grave will be marked with a cross and planted with flowers. I pray God may be with you at this time and give you comfort and faith to know that this is not all and that at some time, some where you will meet again those you have loved long since, and lost a while and in the meantime your boy is in the care and keeping of our loving Heavenly Father. Yours in sincere sympathy, C B GREAVES, Captain". The late soldier was a well known and highly esteemed employee of the Evening Post and was also a Lieutenant in the St James' Company of the Boys Brigade, He was 22. The parents and other relatives have our heartfelt sympathy.

Private John Cyril Le Blancq
1st Battalion Hampshire Regiment
28/04/1918

 

Only son of John S. and Louisa J. Le Blancq, of 14, Ann St., St. Heliers, Jersey. Born at St. Saviour's, Jersey.

Died of wounds, aged 22 years.

Commemorated on family memorial in Mont a l'Abbe Cemetery, Jersey
Old Boys of St James' Company Boys Brigade Memorial, Jersey

Notice of Death appears in Jersey Evening Post of Monday 6 May 1918

NEWS ITEM in Jersey Evening Post of Wednesday 26 March 1919

Memorial to Gallant Jerseyman. The past and present members of the St James' Lads Club have subscribed for a processional cross in memory of one of their members, John Cyril Le Blancq of the Hampshire Regiment, who died of wounds on 28 April 1918. The cross was designed by Mr T D Atkinson of Cambridge, recently appointed Consultant Architect in Winchester Cathedral and College, and is of beaten iron outlined in black. The whole conception is beautiful in its simplicity and its suggestion of sacrifice. The late soldier, it will be remembered in addition to being a member of the St James' Club was a Lieutenant in the St James' Boys Brigade and also a highly respected member of the printing staff of this journal. The Vicar of St James in announcing the gift to his parishioners states "Jack Le Blancq had a quite wonderful gift for loyalty, to his Church, his friends and, most wonderful in these days, to his employer. His influence has not ceased but seems stronger than ever and the memory of his unselfishness, loyalty and fearlessness in speaking out for what he knew to be right has left a strong impression upon the other members". The processional cross will, we understand, be used for the first time at the outdoor service on Good Friday.

NEWS ITEM in Jersey Evening Post of Monday 14 April 1919

Dedication of a Cross. At St James' Church last evening the service concluded with the dedication of a processional Cross given in memory of the late Private John Cyril Le Blancq of the 1st Hampshires, formerly a Server at St James' and a member of the Evening Post printing staff who died of wounds in France in April of last year. The inscription on the Cross reads as follows: "To the glory of God and in loving memory of John Cyril Le Blancq (Server) who died of wounds in France on 20 April 1918. If any man will come after Me let him take up his Cross" Following the dedication the Vicar gave an eloquent and impressive address to a large congregation

Commonwealth War Graves Commission Record