Blair Anderson Wark
Major, 32nd Battalion. * Australian Imperial Force
- Register No.
- 1274 (Alf's numbering, from The Register of the Victoria Cross, 1997)
- Rank
- Major all Majors →
- Unit
- 32nd Battalion. * Australian Imperial Force (register: 32nd Battalion, AIF) all AIF VCs →
- Date of action
- 29 September 1918 to 1 October 1918 on this day → all of 1918 →
- Conflict / campaign
- First World War
- London Gazette
- 26th December 1918 on this day → all of 1918 →
- Born
- 27th July 1894 at Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia
- Died
- 13th June 1941 at Puckapungel, Australia
- Memorial / grave
- Eastern Suburbs Crematorium, Sydney, New South Wales and on the Australian War Memorial at Canberra, Australia
- Medal held by
- the United Service Club, Brisbane, Australia
Digest of citation
During the period 29th September to the 1st October, 1918, during the operations against the Hindenburg Line at Bellicourt, and the following advance through Nauroy, Etricourt, Magny La Fosse and Joncourt, Major Wark exercised magnificent control showing great bravery and initiative. He led his men, during a critical period, forward against the enemy on 29th September 1918 and restored the situation. He moved fearlessly at the head of his men, often far in advance of them, cheering them on through Nauroy towards the next objective Etricourt. whilst leading his advance party of assault troops, he sighted a battery of 77mm guns that were pouring fire, causing heavy casualties on his companies at the rear. Selecting a few of his men, he rushed the batteries, capturing 10 of the crew and four guns. Moving rapidly forward, accompanied by only two NCOs, they surprised and captured 50 more Germans near Magny Le Fosse. Again, showing great leadership and outstanding gallantry on 1st October 1918, regardless of personal danger, he rushed forwards and silenced some machine guns that had been causing heavy casualties. He showed outstanding leadership and a great devotion to duty throughout these operations doing invaluable work
From Alf Askin's research notes
Reproduced as Alf wrote it, c. 2000–2005. Spelling and abbreviations are his own.
WARK, Blair Anderson. (reg.No.1274)
Major. 32nd Battalion. * Australian Imperial Force.
London Gazetted on 26th December 1918.
VC Medal's Custodian is the United Service Club, Brisbane, Australia.
Born on 27th July 1894 at Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia.
Died on 13th June 1941 at Puckapungel, Australia.
Memorials at Eastern Suburbs Crematorium, Sydney, New South Wales and on the Australian War Memorial at Canberra, Australia.
Digest of Citation reads: During the period 29th September to the 1st October, 1918, during the operations against the Hindenburg Line at Bellicourt, and the following advance through Nauroy, Etricourt, Magny La Fosse and Joncourt, Major Wark exercised magnificent control showing great bravery and initiative. He led his men, during a critical period, forward against the enemy on 29th September 1918 and restored the situation. He moved fearlessly at the head of his men, often far in advance of them, cheering them on through Nauroy towards the next objective Etricourt. whilst leading his advance party of assault troops, he sighted a battery of 77mm guns that were pouring fire, causing heavy casualties on his companies at the rear. Selecting a few of his men, he rushed the batteries, capturing 10 of the crew and four guns. Moving rapidly forward, accompanied by only two NCOs, they surprised and captured 50 more Germans near Magny Le Fosse. Again, showing great leadership and outstanding gallantry on 1st October 1918, regardless of personal danger, he rushed forwards and silenced some machine guns that had been causing heavy casualties. He showed outstanding leadership and a great devotion to duty throughout these operations doing invaluable work.
* Southern Australian and Western Australian.
Additional information:. Lieutenant Colonel Wark was also made a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order (DSO). The Victoria Cross was awarded for the outstanding courage, leadership and deeds carried out over the period of 12 days. Major Blair Anderson Wark married Miss Phyllis Marquiss-Munro of 16, Norfolk Mansions, Prince of Wales Road, London S W. The marriage took place at St George's Church, Worthing.
Additional information
Lieutenant Colonel Wark was also made a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order (DSO). The Victoria Cross was awarded for the outstanding courage, leadership and deeds carried out over the period of 12 days. Major Blair Anderson Wark married Miss Phyllis Marquiss-Munro of 16, Norfolk Mansions, Prince of Wales Road, London S W. The marriage took place at St George's Church, Worthing.
* Southern Australian and Western Australian.
Register note: Multiple acts
Visit the grave or memorial
Alf recorded the memorial as: Eastern Suburbs Crematorium, Sydney, New South Wales and on the Australian War Memorial at Canberra, Australia
Map links open a search for the place name Alf recorded; please check opening times and exact locations before travelling. Many VC graves have since been restored by the Victoria Cross Trust.
Research this recipient further
Would you like to honour Blair Anderson Wark by sponsoring this page from £1 a month — in memory of someone, in your own name or for your company? Sponsor this page.