Blanchard’s widow, Florence died 22 January 1948 aged 67. She was buried with her husband,

Pte Blanchard died at Tidworth aged 37. He was the second son of CSgt Blanchard. He had served with the Northumberland Fusiliers and later on the permanent staff as Devizes and had served in the Coldstream Guards. On leaving the Army, he worked for Chippenham Signal Works. When War broke out he rejoined the Colours and was drafted to the C Company, 6th Wilts, Kitchener`s Army, stationed at Tidworth.

On Saturday 26th September 1914 he collapseed with a cerebral haemorrhage and died the next day after seeing his wife Florence and other relatives who had been brought from Chippenham. At the time of his collapse, he was cleaning his uniform ready for a visit to Chippenham.

Being the son of a soldier, he was born in the Woolwich Barracks and died in Barracks. His younger brother is a signaller serving in France.

Blanchard’s body was accompanied from Tidworth to Chippenham by Lt Hartley, Sgt`s Avenhill, Glover, Smith and Pte Robinson. (Possibly killed later on in the War and on the War Memorial)

His funeral was on Thursday 1st October 1914. His coffin, draped in the union flag was carried in a glass sided hearse from his home at The Butts to the cemetery in London Road. The coffin was of polished elm with brass furniture bearing the inscription

Private R Blanchard
Died September 27th 1914
Aged 37

Relatives at the funeral included Mrs Tanner (sister) Herbert Tanner (nephew) and FJ Tanner (nephew). He was buried with full military honours including a firing party commanded by Lt Hartley.

Wilts Times 3 October 1914