Blyth Library has:
"Blyth News 1900 - 1982"
on microfilm
On the subject of his South African military service (service papers) you could contact the South African Department of Defence,
see this page, the paragraph at the bottom:
http://www.national.archives.gov.za/...the_public.htm
Department of Defence Archives, Schweikert Building, 20 Visagie Street, Pretoria and the telephone number is (012) 339-4600; Fax (012) 339 4631
The will be very used to requests for service details I'm sure.