Born on 16 June 1892 in Dundalk, Ontario - son of Thomas A. Blakely, Flesherton, Ontario - attestation form notes present address in Flesherton, Ontario, trade as tailor, single, no current or previous military service, height of 6 feet 2 inches, chest of 36.5 inches, fair complexion, blue eyes, auburn hair, Methodist.
Joined the 147th Canadian Infantry Battalion in Owen Sound, Ontario, on 6 January 1916 (number 838808) - taken on the strength of the 38th Battalion in France on 26 or 27 June 1917 - served as a tailor with the 38th Battalion - invalided sick to England on 28 February 1919.