Arthur Blackburn

He led repeated bombing attacks in the trenches at Pozieres.

Arthur Seaforth Blackburn was born in South Australia on 25 November 1892 and qualified in law before enlisting in the Australian Imperial Force in August 1914. Serving with the 10th Battalion, he landed at Gallipoli in April 1915 and later became an officer.

At Pozières on 23 July 1916, Lieutenant Blackburn led repeated bombing parties against determined German resistance. His men captured a substantial length of trench, and he continued directing attacks despite severe losses. King George V presented his Victoria Cross that October.

Invalided home, Blackburn returned to legal practice and public life, serving in the South Australian parliament and later as city coroner. He remained active in the citizen forces. During the Second World War he commanded the 2/3rd Machine Gun Battalion in Syria. In Java in 1942 he became brigadier commanding Black Force. After the Allied surrender he endured captivity until 1945.

Returning to Australia, he continued legal and veterans' work. He received the military CBE for his Java service and the CMG for his wider contribution to the community. Blackburn died on 24 November 1960, the day before his 68th birthday. His decorations and papers are preserved by the Australian War Memorial.

Official Victoria Cross citation

For most conspicuous bravery. He was directed with fifty men to drive the enemy from a strong point. By dogged determination he eventually captured their trench after personally leading four separate parties of bombers against it, many of whom became casualties. In face of fierce opposition he captured 250 yards of trench. Then, after crawling forward with a Serjeant to reconnoitre, he returned, attacked and seized another 120 yards of trench, establishing communication with the battalion on his left.