Lieutenant Arthur BLACKBURN, VC

No one went further at Anzac.

Blackburn and a Private Phil Robin distinguished themselves by penetrating 1800 metres inland from Anzac Cove, reaching a point further than any other Australian was to achieve in the campaign.
Awarded Victoria Cross for action at Pozieres, France whilst serving with 10 Battalion, 3 Brigade, 1 Division as a Lieutenant

Formed and commanded the 2/3rd Machine Gun Battalion, AIF, and led the unit in campaigns in Syria.

Captured by the Japanese in Java when Blackforce surrendered. Sent to Singapore as POW, later held in Moji, Japan, Pusan, Korea and Mukden, Manchuria.

Created a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in recognition of his gallant and distinguished service in Java.

Date of birth	1892-11-25	Woodville, SA
Dates studied	1913	Graduated from Adelaide University with a Bachelor of Laws.
Date and unit at enlistment (ORs)	1914-08-19	Posted to A Company, 19 Battalion.
Date of embarkation	1914-10-20	Embarked aboard HMAT A11 (Ascanius).
Other	1915-04-25	Blackburn and Private Phil Robin distinguished themselves by penetrating 1800 metres inland from Anzac Cove, reaching a point further than any other Australian was to achieve in the campaign.
Date promoted	1915-04-27	Appointed Lance Corporal.
Date commissioned	1915-08-04	Appointed 2nd Lieutenant.
Date promoted	1916-02-16	Appointed Lieutenant.
Date of honour or award	1916-07-23	Awarded Victoria Cross for action at Pozieres, France whilst serving with 10 Battalion, 3 Brigade, 1 Division as a Lieutenant
Date promoted	1916-08-01	Appointed Temporary Captain.
Other	1916-09-01	Evacuated sick.
Other	1916-10-04	Presented with Victoria Cross by King George V at Buckingham Palace.
Date returned to Australia	1916-12	Returned to Adelaide aboard the Hospital Ship Karoola.
Date of discharge	1917-04-10
Other	1925-10-31	Entered the 43rd Battalion, CMF as a Lieutenant.
Date and unit at appointment (Officers)	1939-07-01	Appointed with rank of Lieutenant Colonel to command 18 Light Horse (Machine Gun) Regiment.
Other	1941-06	Formed and commanded the 2/3rd Machine Gun Battalion, AIF, and led the unit in campaigns in Syria.
Date promoted	1942	Appointed Brigadier and commanded Blackforce.
Date captured	1942-03-12	Captured by the Japanese in Java when Blackforce surrendered.
Other	1942-12	Sent to Singapore as POW, later held in Moji, Japan, Pusan, Korrea and Mukden, Manchuria.
Date returned to Australia	1945-09	Arrived in Adelaide.
Date of honour or award	1946-11	Created a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in recognition of his gallant and distinguished service in Java.
Date of honour or award	1954	Created a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George.
Date of death	1960-11-24