SAPPER GEORGE BLACKBURN
Mining Corps
George Blackburn stated he was born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1894 the son of George Blackburn. In the
1901 Census the family were living at 35 Parkhead Street, Motherwell, Lanarkshire, Scotland and
members of the household were George (47) house painter, Mary A. (31) and George (6) born at
Maryhill, Lanarkshire, scholar.
On March 3, 1913 the family embarked from Glasgow, Scotland on board the Howard Smith Ltd liner
T.S.S. Canberra for Melbourne, Australia. The third class passengers were:
George (55) house painter
Annie (41)
George Jnr (19) dairy worker
At the recruiting depot in Melbourne, Victoria on September 4, 1915 the twenty-one year old assistant
confectioner applied to enlist for active service aboard. He had been rejected previously because of his
height but was re-examined and passed the medical examination as fit and his application was accepted
by the recruiting officer.
Attestation papers were completed describing him as 157cms (5ft 2ins) tall, weighing 58.6kgs (129lbs)
with a chest expansion of 81-86cms (32-34ins). Complexion was ruddy with brown eyes and auburn hair
and religious faith was Presbyterian. Distinctive marks were four vaccination marks with two on the left
arm and three scars on his right knee. Next-of-kin was his father George Blackburn of 322 Victoria
Street, North Richmond, Melbourne, Vic. He was sworn in the same day.
Basic training commenced on September 15, 1915 with the 23rd Depot Battalion at Royal Park until
October 23 when transferred to ‘D Coy’ 24th Depot Battalion at the same place. On November 6, 1915
he was transferred to the Miners’ Corps until December 11, 1915 when they left for the Corps’ training
camp at Casula, near Liverpool, New South Wales. He was assigned to the No. 2 Reinforcements of the
Corps in the rank of Sapper.
On January 17, 1916 disciplinary action was taken after missing No. 2 company parade:
Offence:
Casula camp AWL 15/1/16 to 30/1/16 – 16 days
Award:
16 days in the cells
Length of Service:
3 months
General Character:
Indifferent
Referral to Headquarters:
Recommended for discharge on completion of punishment
A month later on February 17, 1916 he was discharged from the 1st Reinforcements of the Corps after
serving 167 days in camp, the reason being ‘unlikely to become an efficient soldier’. All payments and
deductions were calculated.
He was not eligible for any war service medals.
REUNIONS
Former members of the (Alphabet Company) Aust Electrical & Mechanical Mining & Boring Company
and Tunnellers’ in Sydney would meet to march in the Anzac Day parade then attend their annual
luncheon. Roll Registers for newsletters of this annual event were kept and his name appears as follows:
1934
G. Blackburn
Pitt Road, North Curl Curl
Notation: letter returned 12/4/1949 &
10/5/50
On August 5, 1935 in Brisbane he signed a Statutory Declaration for a Duplicate Discharge stating that
the circumstances he lost it were because ‘In France through Disintry he had to use it – also I joined the
ship Port Hardy after my discharge and went home.’ His address for the document was to be forwarded
to Pte G. Blackburn care of Queensland Branch of Returned Soldiers League, Brisbane. A Statement of
Service was forwarded to him on August 9, 1935.
From 1937 to 1943 his address was care of Mrs Johansson, Pitt Road, North Curl Curl and his occupation
was a steward.
© Donna Baldey 2014
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