Arthur Seaforth Blackburn (VC, CMG, CBE, MC) (25 November, 1892–24 November, 1960) was an Australian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Arthur Seaforth Blackburn was born on 25 November 1892 at Woodville, South Australia.

He was 23 years old, and a Second Lieutenant in the 10th Bn. (S.A.), Australian Imperial Force during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 23 July 1916, at Pozières , France, Second Lieutenant Blackburn was directed with 50 men to drive the enemy from a strong point. By great determination he eventually captured 250 yards of trench, after personally leading four separate parties of bombers against it, many of whom became casualties. Then after crawling forward with a sergeant to reconnoitre, he returned, attacked and seized another 120 yards of trench, establishing communication with the battalion on his left.

Blackburn died on 24 November 1960, he was buried af the West Terrace AIF Cemetery, Adelaide, South Australia. His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra.

Reference

• Monuments To Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
• The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
• VCs of the First World War - The Somme (Gerald Gliddon, 1994)

This page has been migrated from the Victoria Cross Reference with permission.