Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Brigadier

Unit:

Headquarters, 8th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 3rd Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

August 31st, 1944

Recommendation:
On 6 June 1944 Brigadier Blackader landed on the coast of France with the leading troops to execute personally the infantry divisional invasion plan he had prepared. Throughout the day Brigadier Blackader lent great encouragement to all his commanders and troops by his presence and great determination to reach the objective set to his troops. By the end of D Day the 8th Canadian Infantry Brigade has reached its objective - the capture of ground vital to the Corps plan.
Throughout the initial and subsequent phases, Brigadier Blackader ceaselessly and tirelessly fought his brigade with skill and great determination. Without regard to his person, he visited all his units and by his word and deed was an inspiration to his command. Brigadier Blackader's example is worthy of the best traditions of the army.

Supplement to the London Gazette, 31 August, 1944.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Brigadier

Recommendation:
This officer served overseas with the 13th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force in the war 1914-1919. He was wounded in action and received the Military Cross for gallantry. After the first war he retained his interest in the Non-Permanent Active Militia and in 1938 commanded the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada) in the rank of Colonel. On the outbreak of present hostilities he reverted to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel to assume command of this regiment in the active army. He commanded the unit in Newfoundland in 1940 and led it to the United Kingdom later in the same year. On 20 January 1942, this officer was promoted Brigadier and given command of 8 Canadian Infantry Brigade, which appointment he held until 28 September 1944. He took his brigade into the Northwest European theatre and continued to lead it brilliantly until the capture of Calais, France. At this time he returned to the United Kingdom for health reasons and was appointed to command 13 Canadian Infantry Training Brigade. These duties both in the field and in the United Kingdom Brigadier Blackader performed with enthusiasm and efficiency. He was largely responsible for instilling vigour and realism into the preparation of infantry reinforcements for battle. For a period Brigadier Blackader acted as Commander, Canadian Reinforcement Units, with good judgement and a keen sense of duty. Since reorganization of Canadian Reinforcement Units for repatriation duties, Brigadier Blackader has commanded "D" Group of three large repatriation depots. In this task he has further demonstrated his experience, ability and continual consideration for the welfare of those under his command. By his gallant service in the field, his outstanding contribution to the training of infantry reinforcements and his high standard of command and administration of his Repatriation Groups, Brigadier Blackader has made a very great contribution to the general efficiency and well-being of the Canadian Army.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Brigadier

Unit:

Headquarters, 8th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 3rd Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

April 4th, 1946

Supplement to the London Gazette, 4 April, 1946.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Brigadier

Unit:

Headquarters, 8th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 3rd Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Brigadier Blackader commanded 8 Canadian Infantry Brigade of 3 Canadian Infantry Division when it stormed the shores of Normandy on "D" Day. Throughout the entire campaign which resulted in the liberation of France, Brigadier Blackader displayed great gallantry and leadership in the destruction of the German forces and followed them past the borders of France.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Brigadier

Unit:

Headquarters, 8th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 3rd Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

With palm.