Arthur Seaforth Blackburn
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Arthur Seaforth Blackburn VC CMG CBE (25 November 1892 – 24 November 1960) was an Australian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
Arthur Seaforth Blackburn was born on 25 November 1892 at Woodville, South Australia.
He was 23 years old, and a second lieutenant in the 10th Battalion (S.A.), Australian Imperial Force during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 23 July 1916, at Pozières, France, Second Lieutenant Blackburn was directed with 50 men to drive the enemy from a strong point. By great determination he eventually captured 250 yards of trench, after personally leading four separate parties of bombers against it, many of whom became casualties. Then after crawling forward with a sergeant to reconnoitre, he returned, attacked and seized another 120 yards of trench, establishing communication with the battalion on his left.
In February 1942 a small Australian force was landed in Java. He was promoted as a brigadier and appointed to command 'Black Force', to assist the Dutch against the rapid Japanese advance. After three weeks vigorous but fruitless resistance, and in spite of Blackburn's reluctance, the Allied forces surrendered. He became a prisoner of war until September 1945 when he was liberated in Mukden, Manchuria. He was weak but not broken in health. In 1946 he was appointed CBE for his distinguished service in Java.
Blackburn died on 24 November 1960, he was buried af the West Terrace AIF Cemetery, Adelaide, South Australia. His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra.
[edit] References
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
- VCs of the First World War - The Somme (Gerald Gliddon, 1994)
