| Regimental number | 4983 |
| Place of birth | St Kilda, Victoria |
| Religion | Church of England |
| Occupation | Clerk |
| Address | 849 Drummond Street, North Carlton, Victoria |
| Marital status | Married |
| Age at embarkation | 26 |
| Next of kin | Wife, Mrs Gertrude Isabell Blatchford, 849 Drummond Street, North Carlton, Melbourne, Victoria |
| Enlistment date | |
| Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll | |
| Rank on enlistment | Private |
| Unit name | 22nd Battalion, 13th Reinforcement |
| AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/39/4 |
| Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A33 Ayrshire on |
| Rank from Nominal Roll | Sergeant |
| Unit from Nominal Roll | 22nd Battalion |
| Recommendations (Medals and Awards) |
Military Medal Recommendation date: Distinguished Conduct Medal (altered to Military Medal) Recommendation date: |
| Fate | Returned to Australia |
| Medals |
Military Medal 'For conspicuous courage and devotion to duty. Although wounded prior to the attack he refused to leave the line. At ZONNEBEKE on 4th October, 1917, he led his section with the utmost courage and determination. During the advance he made his men fire from the hip with their rifles giving clear and deliberate fire orders and causing casualties to the enemy. On 9th October, 1917, during the attack he again displayed the qualities of leadership to a very marked degree and proved of great assistance to his Officers. The men were greatly fatigued and suffering from exposure but this N.C.O.'s concern for their comfort, his initiative and his fine personal example enabled them to hold on in a difficult position until relief arrived.'
|
| Family/military connections | Brother: 1883 Pte Edward BLATCHFORD, 60th Bn, killed in action, Polygon Wood, Ypres, Belgium, 25 September 1917. |
| Other details |
War service: Western Front Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal Edited the trench newspaper, 'The Echo'. |
| Date of death | |
| Place of burial | St Kilda Cemetery |
Postal Address:
Po Box 7916
Canberra BC 2610, Australia
Street Address:
Northcott Drive,
Campbell, ACT 2600
