Charles Blake

Charles Blake (12 June 1880 – 18 May 1961) was an Anglo-Canadian chess player and prominent lawyer in Canada. He won the U.S. Open Chess Championship in 1911, was the chess champion of Western Canada between 1907 and 1910, and was Winnipeg Chess Club Champion, between 1907 and 1910.

Early life Charles Blake was born in London on 12 June 1880.

Legal career Blake immigrated to Canada in 1903, read law in Winnipeg, Canada, and was called to the Manitoba Bar in 1909. Blake was runner up in the Canadian Chess Championship in 1909 and 1913. In the 1920s, he won two Northwest Competitions in Canada.

World War I At the outset of World War I, Blake joined the 99th Manitoba Rangers. He was with the Canadian Expeditionary Force in France, 8th Battalion, 1st Canadian Division, from August 1914, where he was a lieutenant, later promoted to captain in October 1915. He was further promoted to the rank of major in September 1916.

Death Blake's wife predeceased him. He died, without issue, on 18 May 1961.