Charles H. Blee
History
Charles Henry Blee was born at Ballarat in July 1895. The eldest of two sons born to Charles Henry Blee senior and Mary Ann Daniels. After the death of his mather Charles Blee married Lucy Mousell and two further children were born.
Living in Lyons Street south, Ballarat, he was apprenticed as a plumber to Middleton & Morris of Sturt Street.
Enlisting for service during World War One at Ballarat on 19 September 1916, 21 year old Charles Blee was allotted to the 39th Battalion and sailed from Melbourne 20 October onboard HMAT Port Lincoln.
After transferral to the 14th Battalion on 08 May 1917 Charles Blee was was admitted to the 40th Stationary Hospital at Harfleur suffering from appendicitis on 05 November 1917. He was transferred to England on 6 December when his condition deteriorated.
Charles spent the final months of the war with the 3rd Machine Gun Battalion after a transfer on 15 August 1918. He was repatriated back to Australia on 13 July 1919. There were great celebrations in Ballarat when he arrived home on 12 September.
- …Pte. C.H. Blee, who has been on active service for three years, having been attached to the A.M.G., arrived home on Friday evening last. A large company of relatives and friends was present when he arrived at his father’s home to give him a hearty welcome. The house had been tastefully and artistically decorated with flags, the colors of the returning soldier (blue and yellow) being prominent. Mr Lee presided, and after proposing the toast of the King, called on Mr McPhee to propose the health of the guest. Mr McPhee congratulated Pte Blee on his safe return. Pte. Blee thanked his friends for the cordiality of the welcome, and the speakers for their kind remarks. He was pleased to be home again. The health of the parents was proposed by Mr Coleman, Mr C. Blee responded, and thanked those present for joining with them in the welcome to their son, whom they were proud and pleased to have home with them again.Cite error: Invalid
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- …Pte. C.H. Blee, who has been on active service for three years, having been attached to the A.M.G., arrived home on Friday evening last. A large company of relatives and friends was present when he arrived at his father’s home to give him a hearty welcome. The house had been tastefully and artistically decorated with flags, the colors of the returning soldier (blue and yellow) being prominent. Mr Lee presided, and after proposing the toast of the King, called on Mr McPhee to propose the health of the guest. Mr McPhee congratulated Pte Blee on his safe return. Pte. Blee thanked his friends for the cordiality of the welcome, and the speakers for their kind remarks. He was pleased to be home again. The health of the parents was proposed by Mr Coleman, Mr C. Blee responded, and thanked those present for joining with them in the welcome to their son, whom they were proud and pleased to have home with them again.Cite error: Invalid
Charles stayed in Ballarat working as a plumber and living at 20 Fawkner Street, Ballarat.
He died on 17 August 1946 and was buried in the Ballaarat New Cemetery in Church of England Ground G, Section 06, Row 1, Grave 53. The grave was unmarked untilApril 2022.
Legacy
World War One service recognised on the Ballarat Avenue of Honour.
Family
In 1921 Charles married Mary Ellen Lehan.
Children
1. Lucy Marion Blee (b. 1921)
See also
Notes
References
Further Reading
External links
--Beth Kicinski 13:35, 17 June 2013 (EST); --Clare K.Gervasoni 20:18, 23 April 2022 (AEST)