The AIF Project

William John BLACKBURN

Regimental number6034
Place of birthVIC
ReligionRoman Catholic
OccupationLabourer
AddressYalgogren, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation23
Next of kinMother, Mrs N Smith, Yalgorgren, New South Wales
Enlistment date25 May 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name18th Battalion, 17th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/35/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A11 Ascanius on 25 October 1916
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll18th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Work near Anvil Wood, near Peronne on 31 August 1918.
Recommendation date: 9 September 1918

FateReturned to Australia 19 June 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'During the operations, near ANVIL WOOD, near PERONNE on 31st August 1918 this man was in charge of a Lewis gun with a mopping up party. A number of the enemy attempted to outflank the party and Private BLACKBURN took his Lewis gun forward to a position in the open and opened fire on the enemy. He was subjected the whole time to heavy fire from enemy snipers. He succeeded in killing and wounding most of the enemy party and caused the remainder to withdraw. His coolness and daring saved numerous casualties to his party and enabled them to move forward quickly.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 115
Date: 10 October 1919

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