Harcourt Reade BLACKLER

Regimental number7548
Place of birthOrange New South Wales
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationClerk
AddressCommercial Bank, Canowindra, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation22
Next of kinMother, Mrs R Blackler, Georges Plains, New South Wales
Enlistment date26 July 1915
Rank on enlistmentGunner
Unit nameField Artillery Brigade 5, Battery 15
AWM Embarkation Roll number13/33/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A34 Persic on 18 November 1915
Rank from Nominal RollCorporal
Unit from Nominal Roll5th Field Artillery Brigade
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


For conspicuous bravery in repairing and adjusting telephone wires in exposed positions under fire.
Recommendation date: 21 May 1917

FateReturned to Australia 12 May 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'On the 3rd May, NOREUIL VALLEY was heavily shelled for some hours. All wires to Brigade Headquarters and Divisional headquarters were frequently cut to pieces. Bombardier BLACKLER personally repaired and adjusted them in most exposed positions regardless of all personal danger. By his most excellent work, and disregard of shell fire, communication was re-established and kept between the 15th. Battery and Brigade Headquarters and between other Batteries through their lines. Bombardier BLACKLER has at all times shown a great devotion to duty and has set a fine example.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 7548
Date: 8 November 1917

Other details

War service: Egypt, Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal