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Introduction

This article has been submitted by Joseph Ritson, a volunteer story-gatherer for the ����ý “People’s War” website on behalf of the ����ý Radio Cumbria CSV Action Desk. The author has read and understands the terms of the “People’s War” website.

Two earlier articles have been submitted to the “People’s War” website about Squadron Leader Jack Blair DFC DFM (Article References: A5541716 and A6519873). During World War Two Jack Blair, who came from Egremont, Cumberland (now Cumbria) was described as the town’ s ‘most famous airman’.

Jack Blair lost his life during a mission to Duisburg, Germany on 22 May 1944. He is buried at Molensgraaf, Netherlands. However, Jack’s name is not listed with the other Second World War casualties on Egremont War Memorial at Egremont. This article outlines where Jack Blair is commemorated in Egremont, and identifies the War Memorial where his name is listed.

Egremont remembers its famous airman

While researching Jack Blair’s story I asked a number of other researchers an World War Two veterans to see if anyone had information about Jack Blair. One of my good friends, Mr Ray Devlin, a military and mining historian told me that the medals of Jack Blair and a framed photograph were on display at Egremont British Legion. I was also able to get in touch with the son of Squadron Leader Blair thanks to the assistance of Mr Pat Kelly of the West Cumbria Branch of the Normandy Veterans Association.

Subsequently, I have been able firstly to talk to Jack’s son Eddie Blair, and secondly to visit the British Legion at Egremont. At Egremont Royal British Legion I met Ian Cavaghan, Branch Secretary, who kindly showed me the framed photographs and medal displays of Jack Blair and several others who have gained gallantry awards over the years. Egremont is rightly proud of the effort of its citizens in the World Wars, particularly those recognised by gallantry awards.

Nobody I have met knows the reason why Jack Blair’s name is not listed on Egremont War Memorial. However, Eddie has told me that his father’s name is listed on the War Memorial at Beckermet, a small village a short distance to the south of Egremont.

Thanks to Ian I was able to take photographs of the framed photograph and medals of Jack Blair inside the Function Room. I have submitted separate articles to the “People’s War” website so that the framed photograph and medal display are seen.

Conclusion

I would like to thank all those who assisted me while researching this story, including all those at Egremont British Legion who made me most welcome during my visit. Egremont RBL ensures the great credit brought to the town in the war years by some of its citizens has not been forgotten.

Other articles for the “People’s War” project give additional information about Jack Blair. These are listed below:

Related “People’s War” articles about Squadron Leader Jack Blair:

1. “Egremont’s most famous airman”: Squadron Leader Jack Blair DFC, DFM
(Article Reference: A5541716, posted 5 September 2005)

2. 156 Squadron bombing mission to Duisburg, 21 — 22 May 1944
(Article Reference A6519873, posted 29 October 2005)

3. DFM and DFC Citations for Squadron Leader Jack Blair from Egremont, Cumbria
(Article Reference: A7584096, posted 6 December 20005)

4. Squadron Leader Jack Blair: his family’s story
(Article Reference: A7584212, posted 6 December 2005)

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