Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of John and Emily Blanchard of 5, Dacre Road, Hitchin, Herts. His enlistment documents show that he attested into the Leicestershire Regiment on the 22nd November 1915, he gave his place of birth as Luton, Bedfordshire on the 10th November 1897, his place of residence as 33, Leopold Street, South Wigston, Leicestershire, and his trade or calling as Assistant Linesman with the Midland Railway. He gave his father John Blanchard, and mother Emily Blanchard of 33, Leopold Street, South Wigston, Leicestershire as his next of kin. Information taken from his medical examination shows that he was 5 foot 7 inches in height, weighed 130 pounds and had a chest measurement of between 33 and 36 inches. His complexion was described as fresh with brown eyes and light brown hair. He gave his religion as Church of England. His service record shows that he was mobilised on the 18th January 1916. Joined the Depot of the Leicestershire Regiment as a Private on the 19th January 1916. Transferred to the Royal Engineers as a Sapper at Fenny Stratford on the 6th March 1916. Landed in France with the Royal Engineers 58 Motor Airline Section on the 27th July 1916. He was killed in action on the 4th October 1916. The following information was provided in 1920 by John’s father on ARMY FORM W. 5080 (Information on deceased soldier’s family). Father of soldier, John Blanchard, mother of soldier, Emily Blanchard both of 5, Dacre Road, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, he had no brothers or sisters.