| Blake | Napoleon Joseph Rodolph | | Major | BLAKE, NAPOLEON JOSEPH RODOLPH, Major, was born at Portsmouth, 20 July 1853, son of Captain Maurice Lynch Blake and Margaret Louisa Blake. He joined the 57th Foot 12 November 1873, as Lieutenant; served in the Zulu War (Medal); became Captain, Middlesex Regiment, 14 March, 1881, and Major 19 March, 1890. He served in the South African War, 1899 to 1901, taking part in the Relief of Ladysmith, including the operations of 17 to 24 January 1900, and action at Spion Kop; operations of 5 to 7 February 1900, and action at Vaal Kranz; operations on Tugela Heights (14 to 27 February 1900), and action at Pieter's Hill. Operations in the Transvaal in June, 1900. Operations in Natal, March to June, 1900, including action at Laing's Nek (6 to 9 June). Operations in the Transvaal, east of Pretoria, July to 29 November 1900. Operations in Orange River Colony, June, 1900. Operations in Cape Colony, south of Orange River, 1899. Operations in the Transvaal, 30 November 1900 to May 1901. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 10 September 1901]; received the Queen's Medal with seven clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27 September 1901]: "Napoleon Joseph Rodolph Blake, Major, Middlesex Regiment. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". He retired 20 July 1901. Major Blake married, in 1888, Alice, daughter of R H Page-Henderson, of Oswaldkirk, Yorkshire, and they had one daughter.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | (Duke of Cambridge's Own) Middlesex Regiment |
