Blackburn, Arthur

Blackburn was a fresh faced, 25 year old solicitor who entered the First World War as a private and ended his military career as a distinguished Commissioned Officer.  He was the first South Australian to receive a Victoria Cross for his bravery during the Battle of the Somme.  In this action he led 50 men in repeated attacks on enemy trenches in the French town of Pozieres.  He went on to fight in the Second World War, and was created a Commander of the Order of the British Empire and a Companion of the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George.