Date of birth:

1915 (Crewe)

Service number:

565246 (NCO)/44931 (Officer)

Nationality:

British

Herbert Blakeman enlisted 1931 as an Aircraft Apprentice and went on to serve in Iraq 1936-38.
Following his appointment to a commission he flew a second tour of operations.
On 5 August 1940 during an air-to-sea firing practice over the Skipsea Range, Yorkshire Hampden I P4357 crashed circa 1000, into the North Sea in the wake of engine failure. Blakeman and Sergeant Shardlow (air gunner) were injured, the other air gunner, Sergeant McCrory was sadly killed.

Promotions:
? Sergeant
12 November, 1940: Pilot Officer on Probation
12 November, 1941: Flying Officer (war sub)
12 November, 1942: Flight Lieutenant (war sub)
2 September, 1948: Appointment to commission as Flight Lieutenant
2 September, 1948: commisson relinquished on appointment to the Reserve of Air Force Officers, retaining rank as Squadron Leader
2 September, 1953: period of service extended by 2 years
2 September, 1955: period of service extended by 5 years
2 September, 1960: commission relinquished

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Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

No. 61 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

August 22nd, 1940

Citation:
"This N.C.O. has successfully completed 26 night operations against the enemy which included bombing attacks, mine-laying and attacks on canals. These operations frequently had to be carried out at extreme ranges and at low heights in the face of heavy enemy gunfire. He has always set a fine example by his skill and the determination with which he has pressed home his attacks, even in very difficult weather conditions. On 5th August*, when his aircraft had descended into the sea, he helped a member of his crew to keep afloat until rescued although he was himself exhausted. In spite of this experience, he was again taking part in operations within three days."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Flight Lieutenant

Unit:

No. 97 (Straits Settlements) Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

August 4th, 1942

• - The London Gazette Publication date:20 December 1940 Issue:35019Page:7116
  - The London Gazette Publication date:20 January 1942 Issue:35426Page:348
  - The London Gazette Publication date:31 July 1942 Supplement:35654Page:3410
  - The London Gazette Publication date:15 December 1942 Supplement:35827Page:5511
  - The London Gazette Publication date:26 November 1948 Supplement:38467Page:6232
  - The London Gazette Publication date:26 November 1948 Supplement:38467Page:6230
  - The London Gazette Publication date:6 November 1953 Supplement:40010Page:5997
  - The London Gazette Publication date:2 September 1955 Supplement:40577Page:5049
  - The London Gazette Publication date:16 September 1960 Supplement:42147Page:6414
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