Source: Guarding Niagara – The Welland Canal Force, 1914 – 1918
Family Search: When Sergeant Alfred Morley Blackburn was born on 7 January 1894, in Bromley, Kent, England, United Kingdom, his father, Alfred Morley Blackburn, was 26 and his mother, Edith Caroline Jackson, was 27. He had at least 6 sons and 3 daughters with Ada Ellen Ware. He immigrated to St. John, New Brunswick, Canada in 1912 and lived in Hamilton, Wentworth, Ontario, Canada in 1922 and Thornhill, York, Ontario, Canada in 1923. He registered for military service in 1915. In 1915, at the age of 21, his occupation is listed as labourer in Hamilton, Wentworth, Ontario, Canada. He died on 21 February 1968, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, at the age of 74, and was buried in Woodland Cemetery, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Distinguished Conduct Medal, Military Medal
406247 Alfred Blackburn, DCM, MM. Born in England, he was serving in the 19th “Lincoln” Regiment when he joined the CEF. Earned while serving in the 18th Battalion, CEF. Gazetted 24 January 1919.
“For conspicuous gallantry in action. This NCO, after his Platoon Officer and two Sgts had become casualties, took command of his platoon. By his fearless example, he rallied the men under heavy fire, and led them to the objective. He showed the greatest initiative in reorganizing and consolidating the captured position. His conduct throughout the action was a splendid example to the men.” 264
Military Medal Award Citation (Source unknown – researching)
“For conspicuous gallantry in action. This NCO, after his Platoon Officer and two Sgts had become casualties, took command of his platoon. By his fearless example, he rallied the men under heavy fire, and led them to the objective. He showed the greatest initiative in reorganizing and consolidating the captured position. His conduct throughout the action was a splendid example to the men.”
Publication date: 14 January 1919 Supplement: 31128 Page: 848
Distinguished Conduct Medal Citation
On the 28th of August, 1918, in front of Vis-en-Atrois, he attacked single-handed a party who emerged from a dug-out and were try to bring a machine gun into action. He killed several of the crew and captured the gun and five prisoners. His gallant and prompt action saved many casualties, and his platoon was able to advanced unimpeded.
History of the 18th Battalion CEF, "The Fighting Eighteenth" 
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