Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of Catherine Mary (nee LANE) and Thomas BLAKE

Husband of Elsie Maud BLAKE, "Osterley" Clifton, Darling Downs, Qld. (m prior to enlistment) and divorced in 1927 on the grounds of misconduct - the action being undefended.

Married Johanna (Josephine) BLAKE in 1927

The obituary of Major William Thomas Blake, Townsville Daily Bulletin, Wednesday 19th of August 1942 –

“A lengthy association with commercial and military life of North Queensland was severed on Monday afternoon by the rather sudden death of Major W. T. Blake, Commanding Officer of a battalion of the Volunteer Defence Corps, in a Brisbane hospital.

The late William Thomas Blake – colloquially known as “Joe” – was a Londoner by birth, first seeing the light in the hub of the universe on April 27, 1885. He had early visions of serving his country in a military sense, and after a successful school and college career, he enlisted in the Royal Marine Artillery, in which he served for nine years.

Later he emigrated to Australia, and here he joined the Australian Instructional Corps. In this capacity, he was well known throughout the North in the years immediately subsequent to the Great War, and as Sergeant-Major Blake, he was a member of one of the parties which left North Queensland at the outbreak of war for Thursday Island and other northern outposts. In the A.I.C, he served for a total of eight years.

Joining the A.I.F, the late Joe Blake saw service with the 26th Battalion, in which he soon gained a commission and advanced to the rank of captain and later adjutant of the Corps Demobilisation Depot at Charleroi, a duty which occupied his attention after the Armistice had been signed. On his return to Australia after the Great War, he was a Captain in the 31st Battalion, later being placed on the Reserve of Officers.

When the Volunteer Corps was first launched in 1940, one of the keenest supporters of the movement was Joe Blake. He was placed second in charge of the battalion in his hometown, and later took over the command of the unit, with the rank of Major.

During the life of the V.D.C in Townsville the late Major Blake devoted almost the whole of his time to his unit. The manner in which this unit developed was a tribute to organising ability, and also his capability to handle men. This was not a case of dealing with men, where one was reinforced by military regulations, but he was handling a group of volunteers, honorary enthusiasts, and it was the tactful command of the late Major that maintained and even stimulated that enthusiasm.

After the late war broke out, and on his retirement from military life, the late Joe Blake entered the firm of Cummins and Campbell, and for many years was one of their travelers, gaining a popular name in the towns of the Far North which he visited on behalf of his firm. In 1927 he married Mrs Josephine Nichols. Later they took over the Newmarket Hotel on the corner of Flinders and Blackwood Streets and conducted this hostelry until his death, with exception of a year 1939 – when, with Mrs Blake he embarked on a world tour, returning to Australia after the war had broken out.

Joe Blake was a keen member of the R.S.S.A.I.L.A and for three years, 1933, 1934, and 1935, he was the president of the Townsville sub-branch. He had also served for some years as a town vice-president of the North Queensland District Council of the League and, since his return from abroad, early in 1940, has represented Winton on that body.

He has also taken a great interest in matters pertaining to the Returned Soldiers’ Club and it was during his tenure of the presidency of the League that this amenity was successfully launched.

The late Joe Blake was one who could be classed as a good citizen of North Queensland. While his business interests took up the greater part of his time, it was surprising the amount of time he was able to find, to devote to matters for the benefit of others, especially the returned soldiers’ movement. He was always one with time to listen to the troubles of a fellow Digger, not so fortunately placed as he was himself, and many a comrade has he sent on his way cheered by a kind word and strengthened by something more material. He was a pleasant conversationalist, could discuss almost any topic, and had a sense of humor that ever stood him in good stead, and which made him a sought-after companion.     

His passing, at the age of 57, will be mourned by all who knew him in North Queensland, and other parts of Australia. In spite of a persistent ailment, he manfully stood by his post as the commander of the Townsville battalion of the V.D.C and had he sparred himself more, there is every possibility that he would be alive today. He leaves a sorrowing widow, one son (Master William Blake) and one stepdaughter (Mrs Jack Kerr). To them the sympathy of a large circle of friends is extended in this their hour of grief. 

The casket containing the mortal remains of the late Joe Blake, left Brisbane by the mail train on Tuesday evening for Townsville.”

Courtesy of Sam Cox