Blackman, Charles Tednee (Lance Corporal)

Collection relating to the First World War service of 2584 Lance Corporal Charles Tednee Blackman, 9 Battalion.

Wallet 1 of 1 - consists of ten letters (two with envelopes) written by L/Cpl Blackman during 1917-1918 to family and friends; and four photographic postcards of Blackman. The letters describe Lance Corporal Blackman's experiences of war, his leave in England and his ever present wish to return home to Australia.

Lance Corporal Charles Tednee Blackman was one of the earliest known Indigenous soldiers to enlist in the war effort, joining in August 1915. He was followed by his two older brothers, 3174 Private Thomas Blackman and 3173 Private Alfred John Blackman, who enlisted in 1916 and 1917 respectively. Unfortunately Private Alfred John Blackman died fighting on the Western Front in October 1917, while Lance Corporal Charles Blackman and Private Thomas Blackman both returned to Australia.

Lance Corporal Blackman was born around 1896 to Emily Deshong and Thomas Blackman in the Childers area. Prior to enlistment, Lance Corporal Charles Blackman worked as a farm hand and labourer for Mr John Herbert Salter on his property in Biggenden, returning there after his service ended in 1919. In the mid-1920s Lance Corporal Blackman relocated to Feluga, working on Pedly's farm and then moving around the region. Sometime between the 1940s and 50s, Charles Tednee Blackman changed his name to Charles Thomas Graham, and settled in the Tully area.

• Correspondence from Charles Tednee Blackman, 1915-1919