Born 27/07/1904 the son of Myron S. and Catherine Blanche Blackburn; husband of Vera (nee Parker) Blackburn, and brother of Margret R. also of Dresden, Ontario, Canada. Prior to enlisting Robert was the Chief of Police for Dresden, ON.

Corporal Blackburn enlisted in 10/09/1939 at the age of 35. He was among the initial  group of men from Dresden to enlist, and at the time of enlistment, he had been the Chief of Police of Dresden. He served in England, Sicily, France, and Italy.  

TH04/11/43: “Sgt. Blackburn Dies in Italy” article. “Former Chief of Police in Dresden, reported KIA on October 6^th, 1943 in Italy. Younger brother of James Alexander Blackburn, and brother of Margaret Blackburn RCAF. Went overseas with his brother in December 1939, having enlisted in the RCR at London. 

A letter home from another Dresden enlistment, Sgt. Irvine Law, (6/10/43) to his sister Myrtle mentions the death of Archie Blackburn. His letter read, “I suppose you have heard by now that Archie Blackburn being killed. I don’t know how it happened, but I suppose you will queer as it seems we don’t get any news over here whatsoever.”

He was killed in Italy on October 6th, 1943 in a motorcycle accident at the age of 39.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead, Grave/Memorial Reference: III. C. 28. Cemetery: BARI WAR CEMETERY.

Corporal, Service No: A/9312. Regiment: Royal Canadian Army Service Corps, Secondary Unit Text: attd. 3rd Cdn. Inf. Bde.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Awards	1939-1945 Star, Italy Star, C.V.S.M. with Bar
Sources	Dresden Roll of Honour. Index of Overseas Deaths., {(P) Dresden, CM-IODE(P), Janet V.

Age	35
Birthplace	Born- April 27th, 1904
When Enlisted	September 10, 1939
Next of Kin	Parents- Mr. & Mrs. Myron S. Blackburn

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