Pvt. Raymond Blum KIA on French battlefield Oct. 22,1918

Pvt. Raymond Blum Killed in Action on French Battlefield

The War Department’s telegram telling of the death of Private Raymond Blum, son of ex-Mayor Blum, in action on Oct. 22, 1918, was received Tuesday night by Town Clerk Simon Blum just before the meeting of the Commissioners.

The latter desiring to get his father from Yantacaw Engine rooms to the home of a relative before he heard the news, said nothing about it and went on with his work as clerk of the meeting. Later, Mr. Blum, senior was told of the tragedy.

Ray was in the 312^th Infantry, 78th Infantry Division, Company B, the regiment being the same one to which his brother Carnot is attached as well as several other Nutley boys.

Going to Camp Dix in April after training several months at Governor’s Island he was sent overseas after a month’s further training.

His last letter home, dated Oct. 14, said he was well. It was received the day the armistice was signed.

Surviving are his father, three brothers, Simon, Joseph and Carnot, and five sisters, Mrs. William Longfelder, Mrs. Stephen Ginsburg and Miss Ruth Blum of Nutley, and Mrs. Frank Heller and Mrs. Norman Dannewitz of Newark.

Born in town 26 years ago, Ray attended the local schools and entered the employ of the American Linseed Company when he started business. He was with the same concern when he entered the army.

He was prominent for eight or ten years as an athlete playing on local baseball and football teams, as well as with half a dozen fast semi-professional baseball teams in Newark, Paterson and Passaic. He was a member of Nutley Elks.

A letter dated Oct. 25 was received at the end of November by Town Clerk Simon Blum from Walter Gorman who was with the same regiment as Raymond Blum.

Apparently he told how and where Ray was killed as the end of the first sheet of the letter had been cut off by the censor, and the next sheet starts off with "he did not suffer a bit. I know exactly where he is buried and if it is at all possible I will get a photograph of his grave for you."

Blum served in the 312^th Infantry Regiment, 78th Infantry Division, the same outfit as Pvt. George Kalvio, also of Nutley, who died two days later.

Pvt. Blum is buried at Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, Romagne, France, Plot B, Row 28, Grave 32.

(2016) The nearly 90-year-old footbridge crossing the Mudhole spill way into Yountakah Creek was replaced following flood damage. The renovation is part of a larger project to enhance other park system bridges and lessen flood damage during heavy rains. The footbridge was erected in memory of Nutley son Ray Blum who was killed in action at Grand Pre, France during on Oct. 22. 1918.

Raymond Blum, KIA, Grand Pre, France, Oct. 22, 1918, Nutley NJ - © A Buccino