Birr Cross Road Cemetery
Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-
Mark Blenkiron was born at Quebec, County Durham, the youngest of 2 sons he had 3 elder and 1 younger sister, all of whom survived. His father Thomas Blenkiron of Tow Law and mother Elizabeth Ann Henderson of Spennymoor, both natives of County Durham were born in 1857 and 1864 respectively. The couple were married in the district of Bishop Auckland during the 2nd quarter (Apr/May/Jun) 1883, just prior to the birth of their daughter Alice. Elizabeth went on to have a son John the following year, Elizabeth Ann and Ann in 1888 and 1889 respectively. Thomas supported his family employed as a coal hewer, in 1891 they were living at 160, New Single Row, Quebec, where Mark was born in 1894, Jane Ann in 1897. Thomas Blenkiron sustained injuries at Hamsteels Colliery July 20th 1897 from which he died over two years later, December 11th 1899 aged 41 years, however, upon investigation it was found his death was not due to Accidents comprised within the true meaning of the Mining Acts.
John became the families only means of support, at the age of 13 employed below ground as a driver. Not only had John left the family home by 1911 they had also moved from 19, New Row to 11a, Front Street, Quebec. Mark (17) was now working at the colliery as a coal miner, his sisters Alice (28) and Elizabeth Ann (24) remained at home with their mother, Jane Ann (13) was a scholar, there is no mention of Ann but included in the census listed as children of widow Elizabeth Ann are a son Thomas 1-year old and a daughter Hilda May 1-month old. This may well be a clerical error.
Mark Blenkiron enlisted at Consett and was assigned to the Royal Garrison Artillery and trained as a gunner. As Gunner 123291 he departed to France with the 213th Siege Battery R.G.A., December 30th 1916. The Siege Batteries were equipped with heavy, large-calibre guns and howitzers and positioned some way behind the front line but had tremendous fire power, attacking unseen targets mostly the enemy artillery.
Gunner 123291 Mark Blenkiron was killed in action, September 25th 1917 and buried on the battlefield by his comrades, a cross placed on his grave with his military details. Post-war his remains were found in what is described as a, “small cemetery”, along with 2 other Gunners and 1 Bombardier of 213th Siege Battery whose crosses were still on their grave and 2 unknown servicemen. The bodies of all 6 were exhumed and brought into Birr Cross Road Cemetery for re-burial with all honour and reverence, January 28th 1919.
Gunner 123291 Mark Blenkiron Royal Garrison Artillery was 23 years of age and single. His mother received all monies due to him and his awards of the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Elizabeth Ann Blenkiron died in the District of Lanchester in 1927, declared age of 66 years, although, her birth year would indicate she was 64 years of age.
In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.
Mark Blenkiron is remembered at Quebec on Q2.06
