Friends of the Somme - Mid Ulster Branch  
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Updates for Leading Aircraftman William James Bleeks
Date Information
26/07/2024 William James Bleeks is also commemorated on the World War Two plaque on the gates of Seagoe Parish Church near Portadown.
25/07/2024
11/12/2020 'When for a while we part
11/12/2020 From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 19h June 1943: Roll of Honour
11/12/2020 BLEEKS – In fond and loving remembrance of our dear son, Leading Aircraftman William James Bleeks, killed at Skeabrae in June 1942.
11/12/2020 This thought will soothe our pain
11/12/2020 That we shall still be joined in heart
11/12/2020 And one day meet again.'
11/12/2020 Ever remembered by his father, mother, brother, and sister; also his wife and two little children. Stewartstown and Portadown.
11/12/2020
11/12/2020 BLEEKS – In fond remembrance of my loving brother, Leading Aircraftman William James Bleeks, killed at Skeabrae in June 1942
11/12/2020 ‘No matter how heavy the burden,
11/12/2020 No matter how deep the despair,
11/12/2020 Doesn’t heaven seem nearer and dearer
11/12/2020 To know that our loved one is there?’
11/12/2020 Ever remembered by his sister Margaret, Hawthorn Cottage, Stewartstown.
11/12/2020 From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 19h June 1943: Roll of Honour
11/12/2020
07/10/2020 From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 16th June 1945: In Memorial
07/10/2020 BLEEKS – In treasure remembrance of my dear brother, Leading Aircraftsman W J Bleeks, killed at Skeabrae 20th June 1942.
07/10/2020
07/10/2020 From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 16th June 1945:
07/10/2020 Ever remembered by his father, mother, brother and sister, also his two little children. Hawthorn Cottage, Stewartstown.
07/10/2020 I am waiting there for you.’
07/10/2020 At the end of the vale of shadows
07/10/2020 Parents be brave or through
07/10/2020 ‘His voice keeps gently whispering
07/10/2020
07/10/2020 ‘At night when all is silent
07/10/2020
07/10/2020 BLEEKS – In loving remembrance of our dear son, Leading Aircraftsman W J Bleeks, killed at Skeabrae 20th June 1942.
07/10/2020 But time has so far only proved
07/10/2020 Remembered always by his brother, Winthrope Elliott Bleeks, Hawthorn Cottage, Stewartstown.
07/10/2020 How much I miss him yet.’
07/10/2020 And sleep forsakes my eyes
07/10/2020 And helps us to forget
07/10/2020 ‘They say time heals all sorrow
07/10/2020 My thoughts are on that lonely grave
07/10/2020 From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 16th June 1945:
07/10/2020 Where my dear brother lies’
07/10/2020 BLEEKS – Cherished with love is the memory of my dear brother ftsman William James Bleeks, killed at Skeabrae 20th June 1942.
07/10/2020 Always remembered by his sister Margaret, Hawthorn Cottage, Stewartstown.
06/07/2020 And since He hath ordered this
06/07/2020 But the Lord doth not amiss
06/07/2020 ‘Lord we love him, let him stay.’
06/07/2020 Yes, with streaming tears should pray,
06/07/2020 We should cry’ Oh spare this blow’
06/07/2020
06/07/2020 We have naught to do but still
06/07/2020 BLEEKS - Fond memories of our dear son, Leading Aircraftsman W J Bleeks, killed at Skeabrae 20th June 1942
06/07/2020 ‘Had God asked us, well we know
06/07/2020 From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 17th June 1944: In Memorial
06/07/2020 Rest in silence in His will.’
06/07/2020 Ever remembered by his sister Margaret, Hawthorn Cottage, Stewartstown.
06/07/2020 He shall walk with Him.’
06/07/2020 In the holiness unsullied
06/07/2020 Nor the gold he dim
06/07/2020 ‘He has gone where neither sin nor pain can enter
06/07/2020 BLEEKS – In loving memory of my dear brother, W J Bleeks, killed in Skeabrae 20th June 1942.
06/07/2020
06/07/2020 From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 17th June 1944:
06/07/2020 Remembered always by his father, mother, brother, and sister; also wife and two little children. Stewartstown and Portadown.
16/01/2020 ‘With deepest sympathy, from all the Directors of the Imperial Hotel Ltd.’
16/01/2020 ‘In loving remembrance of our darling Willie, from his sorrowing mother, father, sister and brother.’
16/01/2020 From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 4th July 1942: Leading Aircraftman W J Bleeks
16/01/2020
16/01/2020 Much sympathy is felt for the relatives and young widow of Mr William J Bleeks, Leading Aircraftman, Royal Air Force (eldest son of Mr and Mrs Robert Bleeks, of Hawthorne cottage, Stewartstown), who was killed in Scotland on 30th June. His death cast a gloom over Stewartstown and Portadown, where he has resided with his wife and baby before joining up shortly after the outbreak of war. He was on tnhe staff of the Imperial Hotel for six years, where he was well liked by his employers and colleagues alike, and his demise has left a blank in those who loved him best.
16/01/2020 His remains were brought to Portadown station from Scotland on Thursday, accompanied by his chum, swathed in the ensign, and brought to his own home where his loved ones had the satisfaction of having him one night, and was laid to rest in Seagoe Cemetery on Friday 28th June. Six pall0bearers and a Commanding Officer carried him to his resting place, and the concourse of friends and neighbours following the hearse bore simple testimony to the esteem enjoyed by the deceased, who was loved by everyone who knew him, and his loved ones have the consolation of knowing that he gave his life for his country, just as if he had fallen on the battlefield, that we, behind, might enjoy freedom of speech, religion and liberty. He di his bit – what more could he do? He was just another innocent victim of this cruel war.
16/01/2020 Divine services in the home, in the church and at the graveyard were conducted by Rev J W Applebe, M.A. of Seagoe and Rev F B Worrall of Stewartstown. The chief mourners were:- Robert Bleeks (father), Winthrope Elliott Bleeks (brother), Hamilton Wright and Edward Dickson (uncles), Sergeant J McCann (father-in-law), J McCann, T McCann and G McCann (brothers-in-law), George Bleeks, Jim Bleeks, Harry O’Neill and Jim O’Neill (cousins); J Hayes and other relatives.
16/01/2020 Beautiful wreaths laid on the grave were:-
16/01/2020 In loving memory of my darling husband, from his sorrowing wife and child.’
16/01/2020
16/01/2020 ‘A token of respect and sympathy, from the Officer Commanding and all ranks, R.A.F. Station.’
16/01/2020 ‘In affectionate remembrance, from aunt Margaret, uncle Edward and children.’
16/01/2020 ‘In loving remembrance of Billy, from Lila.’
16/01/2020 ‘With deepest sympathy, from the neighbours.’
16/01/2020 ‘With deepest sympathy and deep regret, from members of the British Legion, Portadown Branch.’
16/01/2020 From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 4th July 1942: Leading Aircraftman W J Bleeks
16/01/2020 ‘With deepest sympathy, from all his colleagues on the Motor Transport Section.’
16/01/2020 BLEEKS – Mr and Mrs R Bleeks and family wish to thank all the kind friends and neighbours who sympathised with them in their great sorrow; to all who sent letters, telegrams and wreaths; to Rev F B Worrall for his untiring attention; Rev J W Appelbe of Portadown; Constable McKeown of Stewartstown; Mr H Newell of Tamneylennon; the Constabulary of Portadown Barracks; Adjutant and Mrs Deacon. Portmore Street; the Adjutant, Lieutenant and all ranks R.A.F. stationed at Kilcomain Castle; also his pall-bearers and officer in command, and his chum, Sergeant F Grahame, who accompanied his remains from Skesbrae; also Fred Pearson. They hope this will be accepted by all. Hawthorne cottage, Stewartstown.
15/01/2020 BLEEKS – 20th June 1942, in Scotland, as the result of an accident, William James Bleeks, of the Royal Air Force, eldest son Mr and Mrs Robert Bleeks, Hawthorn Cottage, Stewartstown.
15/01/2020 From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 27th June 1942:
15/01/2020
15/01/2020 From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 27th June 1942:
15/01/2020 Christ shall join each broken link.’
15/01/2020 ‘At the river’s crystal brink,
15/01/2020
15/01/2020 ‘You are not buried here,
15/01/2020 Breathing in strains of love,
15/01/2020 BLEEKS – 20th June (as the result of an accident), Leading Aircraftman William James Bleeks, in his 24th year, eldest son of Robert and Anna Bleeks, Hawthorn Cottage, Stewartstown. Deeply regretted by his sorrowing mother, father, sister and brother.
15/01/2020 Mrs Robert Bleeks, of Hawthorne Cottage, Stewartstown, has received notification that her eldest son, William James Bleeks, of the Royal Air Force, has been killed in a bomber crash in Scotland. Young Bleeks, who was 24 years of age, was six years on the staff at the Imperial Hotel, Portadown. He joined the Royal Air Force shortly after the outbreak of war. He leaves a widow and one child.
15/01/2020 All that we cherish dear,
15/01/2020 Heavenward hath gone.
15/01/2020 Look down to this,
15/01/2020 Unto us bliss.’
15/01/2020 Deeply regretted by his uncles and friends. North Street, Stewartstown.
15/01/2020 From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 27th June 1942: Stewartstown
15/01/2020
15/01/2020 Off from that world above,
15/01/2020 Why should we mourn,
06/09/2019 Prior to enlistment William worked in the Seagoe Hotel, Portadown.
06/09/2019 Known family: William James Bleeks, Mary Jane Bleeks (nee McCann), Roberta May Bleeks, William James Bleeks.
06/09/2019 William became the husband of Mary Jane Bleeks (nee McCann). They lived in Portadown, County Armagh. They had two children.
06/09/2019 His uncle, Private William Thomas Bleeks, was killed in action on 17th October 1918 while serving in world War One.
06/09/2019 Known family: Robert Bleeks, Elizabeth Anna Bleeks, Margaret Bleeks (born 4th March 1916), William James Bleeks (born 28th May 1918).
06/09/2019 William served with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. A 24 yr old William James Bleeks is registered in Kirkwall district of Orkney during 1942.
06/09/2019 William James Bleeks was the eldest son of Robert and Elizabeth Anna Bleeks. Robert Bleeks and Elizabeth Anna Wright were married on 1st December 1914 in the district of Cookstown.
06/09/2019 Leading Aircraftsman Bleeks is buried in Seagoe Cemetery, Portadown. His inscription reads ‘FOR EVER WITH THE LORD’
06/09/2019 William James Bleeks was born on 28th May 1918 in the Stewartstown area. The family lived at Hawthorn Cottage, Stewartstown, Co. Tyrone.
06/09/2019 Leading Aircraftsman William Bleeks was on active service at RAF Skeabrae on the Orkney Islands when he was involved in a motor accident on 20th June 1942. He suffered severe head injuries, an extra dural haemorrhage and cerebral compression.
06/09/2019 Leading Aircraftsman Bleeks’ remains were returned home to Portadown.
06/09/2019 William James Bleeks commemorated locally on Stewartstown War Memorial and on Stewartstown Church of Ireland Roll Of Honour.
06/09/2019 William Bleeks is also commemorated on Portadown War Memorial.
06/09/2019 The CWGC record Leading Aircraftsman William James Bleeks as the son of Robert and Elizabeth Anna Bleeks. He is also recorded as the husband of Mary Jane Bleeks of Portadown.
06/09/2019 From the Mid-Ulster Mail, date unknown:
06/09/2019 Submitted by his family
06/09/2019 Leading Aircraftsman William Bleeks died at 10:30 that night in the Military Hospital at Kirkwall in the Orkneys as the result of his injuries.
30/12/2015 'Yes, I heard an Angel whisper, he is here the one you love;
30/12/2015
30/12/2015
30/12/2015 He will rise to walk in Heaven’s own light.'
30/12/2015 Just a little while before you, in our Father’s home above.
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