| Regimental number | 441 |
| Place of birth | Irvinestown, Ireland |
| Religion | Methodist |
| Occupation | Baker |
| Address | Seddon, Victoria |
| Marital status | Single |
| Age at embarkation | 25 |
| Next of kin | Father, James Blakeley, 19 Tennyson Street, Seddon, Victoria |
| Enlistment date | |
| Place of enlistment | Melbourne, Victoria |
| Rank on enlistment | Private |
| Unit name | 37th Battalion, A Company |
| AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/54/1 |
| Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A34 Persic on |
| Rank from Nominal Roll | Private |
| Unit from Nominal Roll | 38th Battalion |
| Recommendations (Medals and Awards) |
Military Medal Recommendation date: |
| Fate | Returned to Australia |
| Medals |
Military Medal 'For conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty West of LE CATELET on 1st October 1918. He took a number of important messages from Battalion Headquarters to the advanced troops. On each occasion he had to traverse more than 1000 yards of ground swept by heavy machine gun and shell fire. His determination and courage were of the highest order, and his work under most adverse conditions was of great value to his Battalion. On account of casualties to other runners, BLAKELEY was constantly on duty for thirty six hours but throughout the was an example of cheerfulness to everyone.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 115 Date: |
| Family/military connections | Brother: 3712 Pte James BLAKELEY, 5th Bn, killed in action, Pozie?res, France, 25 July 1916. |
| Other details |
War service: Western Front Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal |
| Sources | NAA: B2455, BLAKELEY William Thomas |
Postal Address:
Po Box 7916
Canberra BC 2610, Australia
Street Address:
Northcott Drive,
Campbell, ACT 2600
