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William Henry Blake was born at Bacchus Marsh, VIC, on the 15th of November 1891, to Edwin Blake and Margarethe Schultze. Two of his brothers, Edwin and Hector, are also remembered in the Avenue.
He was employed as a Relieving Assistant Station Master when he sought Leave Without Pay to enlist in the Expeditionary Forces in July 1915, at the age of almost 23. At the end of November he embarked aboard the HMAT Ceramic with the 12th Reinforcements, 6th Battalion.
In January 1917 he was transferred to the 17th ANZAC Light Railways in France and shortly after promoted to acting Company Sergeant Major (Warrant Officer(2) class 2) and confirmed in the rank in June, before having a fortnight's leave in England. Some time in June 1918, the 17th ANZAC Light Railways was renamed the 3rd Australian Light Railway Operating Company and William was promoted to temporary Regimental Sergeant Major (Warrant Officer(2) class 1). After further leave in England he was confirmed in the rank of RSM in November.
He returned to England in March 1919 and a month later embarked for Australia aboard the Karagola, arriving home in June. In July he was Mentioned in Dispatches in the London Gazette. William was discharged from the AIF in August.
In March 1941 William enlisted at Ararat, VIC in the Australian Army and was serving at the 106 Australian General Hospital (Bonegilla), as a Private, when he was discharged in March 1944.
William Henry Blake died at Malvern, VIC, in 1960, at the age of 68.
He is listed on the Shire of Bacchus Marsh Roll of Honour, the Bacchus Marsh & District Roll of Honour, the Roll of Honour for pupils of Parwan State School and the Holy Trinity Church Roll of Honour.
Tree Position (accuracy ±1 tree) -37.67770073984277, 144.45093654749104
Last updated by lee, Mon, 03 May 2021 14:17:51
