Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Captain Ernest Alfred Blow, who has been appointed to the command of A Squadron, is 33 years of age, and obtained his first military experience in the old Illawarra Light Horse. After two years' service as trooper, he joined in 1897 the Berry Half Squadron of Lancers as quartermaster-sergeant. He was a  member of Captain Cox's detachment of Lancers which were in training at Aldershot at the outbreak of the Boer war, and went to South Africa with the detachment. With the Lancers who were attached to General French's column, he was present at many of the principal engagements, and before he  returned to Australia, after 16 months' fighting, he received a commission with his own half-squadron. 

In 1905 he was appointed as a magistrate.

CAPTAIN E. A. BLOW.
Very sincere regret and a deep feeling of shock, was felt throughout the town, when it became known Capt. E. A. Blow had been found in his home  early on Friday evening, dangerously ill. Drs. Quinn (locum for Dr. Fox) and Dr. Beith were called in, and Dr. George, Captain Blow's brother-in-law,  phoned for, was quickly in attendance. The medical verdict was unanimous, that his hours were numbered and he passed away in the early hours of the following morning.

The deepest sympathy is felt for Mrs. Blow who, with the children, had left home for their annual holiday, taken of necessity in school recess but when  Captain Blow's duties in connection with military and other matters did not allow him to leave. The terrible shock to come home to such sad circumstances after leaving him such a short tine before in the best of health apparently and when a lease of his life would be given can be imagined  apart from the loss to his family of such a devoted husband and father, whose affection was so thoroughly returned. The funeral took place on Sunday afternoon and was a large and impressive one, held with full military honours, the local military cadets, returned soldiers in attendance, the Masonic Brotherhood of which deceased was an enthusiastic member, also fully represented. District people from Shell-harbour, Jamberoo and the surrounding district were present, as well as those from Gerringong where the internment took  place in the family enclosure. The Rev. A. Reoves officiated and Bro. 0. Alexander read the Masonic service. The "Last Post" was sounded by Mr. W. Downey and a volley was fired over the grave by the Cadets.

Captain Blow has been connected with military affairs for over thirty years and recently received the V.D. decoration for long and efficient service. He  was Area Officer in the cadet training scheme for over 20 years, appointed shortly after his return from the Boer War of Kiama and Shoalhaven districts, and took a keen interest in the training of the lads. Not long since he was appointed Adjutant of the 37th Infantry. In district affairs he took an  intelligent and helpful part, was President of the newly-formed Bowling and Recreation Club, hon. sec. of the Horticultural Society, and a member of the Hospital and Agricultural Committees. He was in the prime of life only 50 years of age and they cause of death was nephritis. Beside his widow,  the late Captain Blow leaves a young famiy to mourn his loss in two sons, Alex and Stewart and two daughters Isobel and Lorraine, and in the grief and deep bereavement they have the heartfelt sympathy of the district.

Many beautiful floral emblems were sent in expression of this from the military and public bodies and many individual sympathisers.