Huyton resident and Royal Navy veteran George Bleasdale is celebrating his 101st birthday today, whilst also featuring in a newly published book charting the life of one of his best friends.
The newly published biography, And Then There Was George, tells the story of Able Seaman George Chandler, a fellow Royal Navy veteran and George Bleasdale’s close wartime friend.
What makes George’s involvement in the book especially moving is how it came about.
While researching George Chandler’s life, the author Amanda George discovered references to his lifelong friend, George Bleasdale.
Unsure whether he was still alive, she began searching for any trace of him.
A story on Knowsley News celebrating George’s 100th birthday provided the first clue, leading her to make contact with local officials at Knowsley Council, who kindly passed a message to George’s family.
Within just 24 hours, George’s son, Dave, had made contact.
Those conversations became an invaluable part of the research, allowing George Bleasdale’s memories and reflections to complete another chapter of his best friend’s story.
His recollections helped preserve not only wartime experiences but also a friendship that had lasted a lifetime.
Author Expresses Privilege At Uncovering Lifelong Connection
Author Amanda George said:
“When I first began writing about George Chandler, I never imagined it would lead me to another remarkable veteran still living over 300 miles away.
“Finding George Bleasdale and hearing his memories was one of the most moving moments of the entire journey.
“His contribution completed part of George Chandler’s story in a way that no archive ever could.
“To know that George is now celebrating his 101st birthday, surrounded by the love and admiration of his family and community, is something I feel incredibly privileged to witness.”
Survival At Omaha Beach And The French Legion Of Honour
George was just seventeen and a half when he enlisted in the Royal Navy.
After just 10 weeks of training, in February 1943 George was deployed to his post in the Light Coastal Forces, serving on a naval Motor Torpedo Boat (MTB) which patrolled the Channel, protecting the Navy’s flotilla from the German’s heavily armed E-boats.
During D-Day, George and the crew of MTB 710 were tasked with escorting the American Rangers to their landing post at Omaha Beach, an event in military history infamously fraught with challenges and set-backs, and in which heavy casualties were inflicted on the Allied forces.
George continued his naval career until 1946, even after his boat collided with a mine leading to the loss of 17 lives.
George was one of 14 survivors and one of only 6 of the crew to escape without any injuries.
On the 70th Anniversary of D-Day, in June 2014, the French President announced that the Legion of Honour, France’s highest order of merit, would be awarded to all British Veterans who fought for the liberation of France during the Second World War.
George received his honour in 2019 at the grand age of 94.
George Bleasdale’s story, captured in the book, has touched many people not only because of his wartime service but because his memories have helped preserve those of a lifelong friend, ensuring that both men will continue to inspire future generations.
As George celebrates his 101st birthday, his family, friends, local community and fellow veterans are joining countless others in wishing him a wonderful day and thanking him for his service to our country.
READ MORE: Liverpool Libraries Combine Books And Music For Free Kids Summer Reading Challenge
