Veteran Notes/Bio
Contributed by Ron Inglis, October 2021
By tragic coincidence, Private William Blake 20, the adopted son of Mrs J Matterson of Edgar St Auburn, died on the same day as her son, Arthur Betts, on 20 August 1915.
Blake, a packer, had enlisted on 25 April 1915 at Liverpool, embarked on the Karoola on 16 June and was wounded after just 12 days on Gallipoli. He was taken back to Mudros but died there of pneumonia on 20 August 1915, after four months service in the AIF.
Blake was buried in the Portianos Military Cemetery in Greece. As Blake had no known blood relatives, his medals and effects were sent to Mrs Matterson.
William Blake is honoured on the following memorials in Australia:
- Auburn War Memorial
- Municipality of Auburn 1914-1919 Honour Roll
- Roll of Honour Australian War Memorial Canberra
His decorations:
- British War Medal 1914-20
- Victory Medal
- 1914-1915 Star