DT 24/04/41.  The 2nd son of Myron S. and Blanche (nee Huff) Blackburn, a sister Margaret Ruth (RCAF). . The husband of Kathleen (nee Divall).  

Prior to the war Cpl. Blackburn was the chief constable of Dresden. He enlisted in December of 1939

DT 4/11/43 reads, “Official Word Received Sgt. Alex Blackburn Very Much Alive” . Prior to this headline, it was thought that Sgt. Blackburn  had died of wounds while serving in Sicily. ‘Red’ was mentioned in a letter home from Sgt. Irvine Law.

He was married in England on April 17th, 1943 to Kathleen Divall.

It turned out that the message received by his father had been sent out in error. The fact was that he had been wounded in action. It was regrettable that such an error could be made causing such mental anxiety for his family and friends.   ‘Red’ was reported missing in action and was later reported a POW.

In a letter home from Sgt. Irvine Law to his sister Myrtle mentions Red Blackburn: “Red Blackburn and Fred Kerr, who are in the same unit as I am , were in a lorry that ran over a land mine. Fred was driving and he seemed to get the worst part of the blast.”

The CDN 16/10/43 reported that it was believed that Cpl. Blackburn had been killed in an accident while serving in Italy on 6 October, 1943. He had written his wife on Friday 1 October saying he was fine.

In a Dresden Tribune article, dated 11/11/43, it is stated that Myron Blackburn had received a telegram reporting Sgt. Alex Blackburn had died of wounds on 7 October, 1943. The said, “What can be said to a grieving father that given his two boys to his country”.

“While on their way for water the truck hit a ‘booby-trap’ that touched off a land mine left behind by the Germans”. Red was slightly wounded in the attack and Fred suffered a broken leg and other more serious injuries. DT 11/11/ 43 

The horror of loosing his last son was cleared up some when a letter from Alex arrived at the family home. He had been wounded and had lacerations on his leg. He hardly required a stay in hospital, in his opinion. He was with another Dresden soldier named Fred Kerr during the time of his injuries. 

After his return to Canada, he eventually took over the duties of Camden Township Clerk Treasurer from his father, Myron S. Blackburn.  Alex was reported to have returned from overseas in the CDN 21/06/45. 

Next of Kin: his father, M. S. Blackburn of Dresden, ON.

Discharged August 1st, 1945.

Alexander passed away 28 Jan. 1998 at the age of 95. CDN 30/01/1998.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Awards	1939-1945 Star, Defence Medal, C.V.S.M. with Bar
Sources	KCFA, CM-IODE (P), DT (24/04/41), CDN

Age	36
Birthplace	Born- October 6th, 1902
When Enlisted	September 18th, 1939
Next of Kin	Parents- Mr. & Mrs. Myron S., Wife- Mrs. Kathleen Divall

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