Major FRANK GERALD BLAKER

The following details are given in the London Gazette of September 22nd, 1944 - In Burma on 9th July, 1944 a company of the 9th Gurkha Rifles was ordered to carry out a movement across unknown precipitous country, through dense jungle, to attack an enemy strong point on the summit of a hill overlooking Taungni. Major Blaker carried out this movement with the utmost precision, in itself a feat of considerable military skill, and the company took up a position on the extreme right flank of the enemy. At this crucial moment the company's advance was completely stopped by heavy and accurate enemy fire. Major Blaker, although severely wounded in the arm, then advanced ahead of his men, located and charged single-handed, the Japanese machine-guns. When hit by 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 captured the positiion. Major Blaker died of his wounds. 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.