The Soldier's Details
- Surname:
- Blackborrow
- First Name:
- John Harold
- Rank:
- Private
- Regimental #:
- WX12469
- Company:
- 'D' Company No. 14 Platoon
- Enlisted:
- 6.05.1941
- DOB:
- 29.03.1920
- Place of Birth:
- London, England
- Father's Name:
- Charles Blackborrow
- Mothers's Name:
- Gladys Maud Blackborrow
- Religion:
- Church of England
- Pre-war Occupation:
- Metal Polisher
- Memorial:
- Epitaph, Singapore Memorial, Column 135, Age 21.
- Cause of Death:
- Kllled in Action
- Place of Death:
- West coast, Singapore
- Date of Death:
- 9.02.1942
General Description
John Harold Blackborrow aged 4 years arrived in Fremantle on TSS “Esperance Bay” on 5 May 1924 from London with his parents Charles and Gladys and older brother Charles George aged 9 years.
Brother Desmond was born in WA in 1925.
Gladys Blackborrow died in 1928 aged 34 years. It is not known who looked after the three young boys aged 3, 7 and 12 years. (Perhaps their father managed).
Charles Blackborrow (snr) was a metal polisher. His son John took up same profession.
John Blackborrow enlisted with AIF at Perth on 6th May 1941, later joining 2/4th MGB’s ‘D’ Company No. 14 Platoon with Commanding Officer Lt. Tom Tompkins. He was engaged to Bev Giles when he departed WA for Singapore.
John was 21 years of age at the time of his death 9 February 1942 during the battle for Singapore. He was reported missing to his family. It was not until April 1946 that authorities were able to confirm John was tragically KIA four years earlier.
His father, two brothers and fiancee were left to mourn his young death.
Soldier was badly shell shocked by Japanese artillery barrage. Not seen again after 9.2.1942 when his party withdrew. Reported to have been with Lieutenant Meiklejohn’s group when they were ambushed by the Japanese. Read about Lt. Meiklejohn’s Company