Their bodies are buried in peace; but their names liveth for evermore.
Their Duty Done
A tribute to the men and women of the East Gippsland Region who Died
as a result of their participation in World War One : 1914 - 1919
Private John Alexander Blacklock - Orbost
Died of illness 25 April 1916
….. measles complicated by pneumonia
Tasmanians John Fox (snr) and Matilda Blacklock arrived in Orbost in the
1880s when they opened up a shop and John later became the secretary of the
Orbost Butter Factory. Their first son, also named John, was born in Bairnsdale
in 1886 followed by his sisters Christina and Evelyn who were born in Orbost in
1890 and 1897 respectively. John and his sisters went to school in Orbost before
John became a labourer and on 18 March 1916, when he was 30 years old, he
enlisted to serve.
He had only been in camp at Brisbane for two months with No. 11 Depot
Battalion when he contracted measles that was complicated with pneumonia.
He died in the Brisbane Hospital on 25 April and was buried in the Brisbane
General Cemetery.
We have been unable to locate a photograph of Private John Blacklock,
if you know of one, please make contact. Our group would appreciate your assistance.
