The AIF Project

Conspicuous gallantry at Pozieres, 23-25 July 1916.
Recommendation date: 1 August 1916

Great gallantry and devotion to duty at Lagnicourt, 15 April 1917.
Recommendation date: 18 April 1917

Conspicuous bravery under fire, and excellent services on patrol duty.(Boursies 9 April 1917)
Recommendation date: 20 April 1917

Showed great coolness and example in leading men, enabling valuable services to be rendered. (Polygon Wood 20-21 September 1917 )
Recommendation date: 7 October 1917

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When in charge of a patrol, which came under shell fire, he took up a position in a shell hole and opened fire on the enemy inflicting many losses and preventing the enemy counter attack from materializing.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 169
Date: 4 October 1917

'At LAGNICOURT at dawn of April 15th 1917, L. CPL. M.G. Blackman was in charge of a post in the outpost line when the enemy attacked in great force. He held his post with one man, the remainder having become casualties until surrounded. He was then ordered to retire by the officer-in-charge of the outpost line. He fought his way through the enemy and joined the picquet showing great gallantry throughout.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 62
Date: 19 April 1917

'During the attack on POLYGON WOOD, East of YPRES on 20th/21st September, 1917, Corporal BLACKMAN, by his great coolness and personal example, kept his men together and made them take cover and thus avoiding many casualties, when his Company was heavily shelled and disorganised in the assembly position. Also during heavy enemy barrage on evening of 21st September he, with two linesmen, kept the telephone wires in repair. The relief of a flanking unit being lost, he personally conducted them to the line they were to take over. Throughout the whole operation this N.C.O.'s great courage and devotion to duty set a stirring example to his men.'

Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 66
Date: 2 May 1918