The Last Post Ceremony commemorating the service of (2109) Private William Blake, 2nd Australian Infantry Battalion, First World War.

The Last Post Ceremony is presented in the Commemorative area of the Australian War Memorial each day. The ceremony commemorates more than 102,000 Australians who have given their lives in war and other operations and whose names are recorded on the Roll of Honour. At each ceremony the story behind one of the names on the Roll of Honour is told. Hosted by Craig Berelle, the story for this day was on (2109) Private William Blake, 2nd Australian Infantry Battalion, First World War.

2109 Private William Blake, 2nd Australian Infantry Battalion
Illness 20 August 1915

Today we remember and pay tribute to Private William Blake.

William Blake’s date of birth is not known, nor is his place of birth, or the names of his parents.

When he was around seven years old, while he was attending Auburn Public School in western Sydney, Blake was adopted by Jessie Matterson. He had no known relatives.

Blake went on to work as a packer, until enlisting in the Australian Imperial Force in April 1915, giving his age as 18.

Allotted to reinforcements for the 2nd Battalion, he undertook initial training before being allotted to reinforcements for the 2nd Battalion.

Private Blake joined his unit on Gallipoli in early August, as it became involved in an attempt to break the stalemate that had developed around the beachhead. In order to create a diversion to draw Turkish reserves away from the attack at Hill 971, the battalion took part in the attack at Lone Pine. After gaining possession of the main enemy line, the Australians were subjected to three days of counter-attacks.

After starting the action with 22 officers and 560 other ranks, the battalion lost 21 officers and 409 other ranks killed or wounded.

Blake was among the wounded, receiving a gunshot wound to the buttock on 6 August. He was evacuated to hospital on the Greek island of Lemnos, but died of pneumonia on the 20th of August 1915.

His date of birth unknown, his adopted mother guessed that he was about 20 years old.

His remains were buried in Portianos Military Cemetery.

His name is listed on the Roll of Honour on my right, among almost 62,000 Australians who died while serving in the First World War.

This is but one of the many stories of service and sacrifice told here at the Australian War Memorial. We now remember Private William Blake, who gave his life for us, for our freedoms, and in the hope of a better world.

Duncan Beard
Editor, Military History Section