George E. Blight

History

George Elmo Blight (SN1154) was a 20 year old Draper living at 419 Lidyard Street Ballarat when he enlisted on 05 May 1915 and became a Sergeant in the 23rd Battalion, “D” company. Described as 5 feet 7inches tall he weighed 9 stone 12 oz. He was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant on the 23rd August 1915 having embarked from Melbourne on HMAT Euripides on the 10th May 1915. The 23rd served at Gallipoli from the 5th September until December 1915 alternating daily at Lone Pine with the 24th Battalion.

George Blight was wounded in action in Pozieres, France on the 4th August 1916, receiving a gunshot wound to the right loin and complained of pain to right side of abdomen. He was certified as unfit for service for four weeks and in October 1916 it was reported that he was recuperating in an English country estate in Newbury. For his action in Pozieres in 1916 George was “Mentioned in Despatches” and also recommended for the Military Cross on the 15th September 1916. Whilst in London after the War, George Blight was awarded the Insignia of the Order of the British Empire (O.B.E.). He died in 1949.

Legacy

World War One service recognised on the Ballarat Avenue of Honour.

External links

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2606808162972959&set=a.1413059102347877&type=3&theater

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--Beth Kicinski 13:36, 17 June 2013 (EST); --Clare K.Gervasoni 17:58, 27 April 2020 (AEST)