John Wesley Blacket

John Wesley Blacket was born on 20 July 1886 in Gumeracha, South Australia. He was the eldest of fourteen children born to the Reverend John and Martha Jane (nee Fidler) Blacket.

John Wesley Blacket was a teacher at Prince Alfred College (and former student) prior to his enlistment in World War I.

John had attended the University of Adelaide, 1909 to 1913.  John played for both the Adelaide University Football Club (1908-1914, A Grade and Captain) and Cricket Club (1908-1915, A Grade).  He achieved a Double Blue (Football 1912, Cricket 1915).

John also played 11 league games and kicked one goal for Norwood Football Club between 1907 and 1909. He also played District Cricket.

John Blacket applied for a commission in the Australian Imperial Forces on the 30th January 1915. He was first appointed to the 10th Battalion before being transferred to the 24th and later the 27th Battalion where he remained. His initial rank was Adjutant Lieutenant but he was later appointed as Captain.

He joined the expeditionary forces at Gallipoli in September 1915 and was wounded just two weeks later. After recovering in England and a brief assignment with the British Expeditionary Force, he rejoined his battalion at the front line trenches in Belgium in May 1916.  

John Blacket was killed in action near Messines on 4 July 1916 during a heavy artillery bombardment.