Frank Gerald Blaker

Frank Gerald Blaker (VC, MC)(May 8, 1920- July 9, 1944) was a Scottish winner of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Details

He was 24 years old, and a Temporary Major in the Highland Light Infantry, British Army, attached to 3rd Battalion, 9th Gurkha Rifles, Indian Army during the Second World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 9 July 1944 near Taunggyi, Burma (now Myanmar), Major Blaker was commanding a company which was held up during an important advance by close-range firing from medium and light machine-guns. The major went ahead of his men through very heavy fire and despite being severely wounded in the arm, located the machine-guns and charged the position alone. Even when mortally wounded he continued to cheer on his men whilst lying on the ground. His fearless leadership inspired his men to storm and capture the objective.

Further information

His Grave/memorial can be found at Taukkyan War Cemetery, 20mi north of Rangoon (now Yangon), Burma (now Myanmar). It is located in Plot VI, Row E, Grave 2. Headstone.

Frank Blaker's medals:

References

*British VCs of World War 2 (John Laffin, 1997)
*Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
*The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)