Frank James Blanchfield

Frank James Blanchfield was a resident of Redan.

History
Frank James Blanchfield was born in Stawell, Victoria, where his father, Richard Blanchfield was serving as a policeman. When his father was transferred to the Redan Police Station, Blanchfield lived at the station in Skipton Street. He played football with the Redan Football Club

Blanchfield enlisted in the A.I.F. and served in Gallipoli. He wrote a letter home to his parents, which was reprinted in the Ballarat Courier in November 1915: "NEWS OF BALLARAT BOYS. Writing to his parents at Redan from Gallipoli under date of 12th September, Pte F. Blanchfield, 24th Battalion, says:- 'I have been in the trenches a few times and have met a lot of Ballarat boys. Ernie Youdan is keeping alright and wishes to be remembered to you all; he is in the same battalion as Capt E. Kirby. I was very sorry to hear of poor Norman Kirby's death. I met Stewart Harrison on the boat, he has quite recovered from his wounds and is back again in the firing line. The boys were all pleased to see me, including Rueben Hooley: he is still keeping well. I received six letters the night we left Egypt; and am writing this in a hurry in my dug-out. Remember me kindly to all my friends."

He was sent to France where he was severely wounded in the Battle of Passchendaele.

After returning to Ballarat, he continued with his football, and was a member of the 1921 Redan team which won the premiership against North Ballarat.

Blanchfield died in Ballarat on 24 May 1978.