Nigel Robertson BLOCKLEY (1898-1963)

Nigel Robertson Blockley (1898-1963) was the son of the Vicar of Old Basing, and it was in this household that Cyril Sladden was billeted for a short time in February 1915.

Nigel Blockley was born on 28th September 1898 at Oxford, the second of three children of the Reverend Thomas Trotter Blockley, a clerk in holy orders, and his wife, Ethel (née Hubback). 

The family lived at 3 Northmoor Road, Oxford, then in 1912 they moved to Old Basing when Reverend Blockley became the Vicar there.

Cyril Sladden stayed with the Blockley family at The Vicarage, Old Basing, in February 1915.  At this stage, was away at school at Harrow, his father’s old school.  By the end of the First World War he was old enough to enlist and served with the 2nd Rifle Brigade.

Nigel remained in the army after the war and served in the Second World War, ultimately attaining the rank of lieutenant-colonel.  At the time of the 1939 Register he was staying at the Naval & Military Club, 94 Piccadilly.  For his services with 5th Reconnaissance Regiment (The Rifle Brigade) in Italy, he was awarded the OBE.

Nigel married Germaine Louise Mary Robinson (née Moss) on 1st October 1940 at Barnstaple, Devon.

Nigel died at Westminster, London, in 1963, aged 64.