BLAIR, William Allison

William Allison Blair as a Stock and Station Agent, aged 27 when he enlisted on 27 July, 1916. He gave as his next of kin his father, Captain William Allison Blair, living at 'Mernda', 42 Jolimont Terrace, Jolimont, with his wife, Minnie Waters Blair (nee Peck). Young William Blair was attached to the 3rd Division, 38th Battalion, which trained first at Seymour in Victoria and later in England. The battalion embarked on the HMAT 'Runic' on 20 June,1916 and arrived at Plymouth on 10 March,1917. From England, they left for France on 22 November proceeded to the Western Front.

The unit history of the 38th Battalion recounts their positions: "During the harsh winter of 1916-17, the 3rd Division was involved in raiding the German trenches. In February, 1917, the 38th battalion provided four hundred troops, with a similar party from the 37th Battalion to form a special raiding battalion..."

William Allison Blair was killed in action on 16 February, 1916, at Armentieres. A witness to his death, Captain Ackroyd,  recalled the action that day 'I refer you to Major J. Barry of the 38th Battalion ... who told me that Casualty was destroyed by shellfire, mine, from a light trench mortar bullet at Armentieres on 16th February, 1917, while on post duty in the front line trenches.' He was buried at Cite Bonjean Military Cemetery, Armentieres and is remembered in Panel 129 of the Commemorative Are at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra.

The Gippsland Mercury of Tuesday, 1 October, included this article."Killed in action 16 Feb 1917. Sergeant William Allison Blair, was the son of Mr. and Mrs W.A.A. Blair, for some considerable time residents of Sale, who were highly respected. Sergeant Blair, at the nation's call, enlisted, and left Australia for France with the 38th Battalion on the 20th June, 1916. Only for a brief time was he permitted to fight against the enemy. But while able, he did his bit bravely and with great devotion to duty. He was killed in battle at Armentieres in France on the 16th February, 1917, aged 28 years. " [PRESBYTERIAN SOLDIERS' MEMORIAL SERVICE. Gippsland Mercury(Sale, Vic: 1914-1918) Tuesday 1 October 1918 p. 3. Article)