George Blakiston World War II Collection, 1942-1944, MS 3139

Finding Aid to the George Blakiston World War II Collection, 1942-1944, MS 3139   

H. Furlong Baldwin Library, Maryland Historical Society

Collection summary

Administrative summary

Biographical Note

George Blakiston, a Maryland native, born in 1874, was prominent in society and politics and fought in both World Wars. In his youth, he competed in several Maryland Hunt Cups and was an avid sportsman. During World War I, Blakiston joined the army and received the Silver Star for valor with the field artillery. In 1927, he was elected to the Maryland House of Delegates as a democrat for Baltimore County and served for one term. He reenlisted in the army during World War II and served as administrative officer with the Johns Hopkins Hospital Unit, which operated in the Pacific Theatre. With the unit, Blakiston spent time in California and Fiji. He died on June 29, 1967, at the age of 73. 

Scope and Content

The collection contains letters from Captain George Blakiston to his friend, William Hughlett Naylor from 1942 to 1944 about his military service in World War II. Blakiston primarily relates his day-to-day events while stationed in California, Fiji, and other places to Naylor, who he refers to as “Daddy.” The letters also discuss events from home, personal memories, and military censorship of the mail. Blakiston also writes about hunting and horse racing.

The letters are arranged chronologically.

Container List