Arthur Blackburn

Brigadier Arthur Seaforth Blackburn was a highly distinguished Australian soldier, lawyer, and politician who served during both World War I and World War II. A part-time soldier prior to the outbreak of the First World War, he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in August 1914 and was assigned to the 10th Battalion. His unit was part of the historic landing at Anzac Cove, Gallipoli, on April 25, 1915, where he and another scout were credited with advancing the furthest inland on the day of the landing.

Blackburn was later commissioned and spent the remainder of the Gallipoli campaign fighting Ottoman forces. For his extraordinary valor in battle during his military career, he was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest award for bravery in the face of the enemy that could be bestowed upon a member of the Australian armed forces at the time.

In addition to his Victoria Cross, his distinguished service and leadership in the military were recognized with appointments as a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George and a Commander of the Order of the British Empire, marking him as one of his nation's most respected military figures.