Bandsman Jack Blake

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John Blake, known as Bandsman Jack Blake, was a British boxer born in 1890 in Great Yarmouth. He was the son of a fisherman and joined the 2nd Norfolk Regiment at 14, earning the nickname “Bandsman” from his army life. His boxing began in the army, and by 1912 he was the army champion of India. He turned professional the same year and won early fights against well-known boxers.

In 1914 he challenged for the British heavyweight title but lost to Bombardier Billy Wells. A fight against Joe Borrell for the 160 lb world title ended as a no contest after a late knockdown. World War I interrupted his career; he was wounded in 1914 and later returned to boxing. He beat fighters like Nicol Simpson and Harry Reeve, but lost to Pat O’Keeffe in 1915. In 1916 he defeated O’Keeffe to become British middleweight champion. O’Keeffe took the title back in 1918, knocking Blake out in the second round.

Blake’s last ring fight was a win in 1921 against Arthur Cameron. After boxing he played football for Yarmouth Town, did some swimming and fishing, and became a boxing referee. He also ran a pub and later worked as a swimming instructor in Great Yarmouth. He died on 2 September 1960 in Great Yarmouth, aged 70.