Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit:

"C" Company, 3rd Battalion, 9th Gurkha Rifles, Indian Army

Awarded on:

July 22nd, 1943

Citation (general):
"In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Burma."
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Recommendation:
"On the morning of 19 May 1943, Lieutenant Frank Gerald Blaker and a platoon of 26 men put in a vigorous attack on a Japanese force of 42 in a village two miles south of Taung Bazar on Burma’s coastal lowlands. The enemy retreated rapidly across an open space to a ridge from where two light machine guns, in strong positions covered them. Disregarding this fire, Blaker and his men followed up at once, stormed the ridge and forced the enemy to withdraw in confusion to the south. The Gurkha losses were three killed and two wounded compared to 16 enemy dead, and three wounded that were captured, including one Intelligence Officer plus many valuable documents. In addition at least ten of the escaping enemy were wounded.

Lt. Blaker, as always, showed great energy and enterprise on patrols, and on this occasion showed a complete disregard for his own safety throughout, and by leading his men both in the initial attack, and in the subsequent pursuit and assault, himself inflicting many casualties, was responsible by his example for the dash and determination which led to the success of the attack."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Major

Unit:

"C" Company, 3rd Battalion, 9th Gurkha Rifles, Indian Army

Awarded on:

September 26th, 1944

Citation:
"In Burma on 9th July, 1944, a Company of the 9th Gurkha Rifles was ordered to carry out a wide, encircling movement across unknown and precipitous country, through dense jungle, to attack a strong enemy position on the summit of an important hill overlooking Taungni. Major Blaker carried out this movement with the utmost precision and took up a position with his Company on the extreme right flank of the enemy, in itself a feat of ' considerable military skill.

Another Company, after bitter fighting, had succeeded in taking the forward edge of the enemy position by a frontal assault, but had failed to reach the main crest of the hill in the face of fierce opposition. At this crucial moment Major Blaker's Company came under heavy and accurate fire at close range from a medium machine gun and two light machine guns, and their advance was also completely stopped.

Major Blaker then advanced ahead of his men through very heavy fire and, in spite of being severely wounded in the arm by a grenade, he located the machine guns, which were the pivot of the enemy defence, and single handed charged the position. When hit by a burst of three rounds through the body, he continued to cheer on his men while lying on the ground.
His fearless leadership and outstanding courage so inspired his Company that they stormed the hill and captured the objective, while the enemy fled in terror into the jungle.

Major Blaker died of wounds while being evacuated from the battlefield. His heroism and self sacrifice were beyond all praise and contributed in no small way to the defeat of the enemy and the successful outcome of the operations."

Major Frank Blaker is buried at the Taukkyan War Cemetery, Burma.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)