Blythe joined Malayan Civil Service as a cadet in 1921[2][3][4] and Chinese Protectorate before rising to the high position of Colonial Secretary of Singapore and retired on 30 July 1953.

[6] Blythe joined Malayan Civil Service as a cadet[2][3][4] and was attached to Chinese Secretariat[6][7] at Seremban and then at Kuala Lumpur in 1921.

Both Blythe and the attacker (Wong San, a Chinese woman)[18] had minor injuries while Mr Richards was badly injured.

[6][35][36][37] In 1939, Blythe was also appointed to act as Commissioner of Trade and Customs and Superintendent, Chandu Monpoly (Johore).

[7][41][42][43] During his tenure as Colonial Secretary, Blythe was occasionally sworn in as Officer Administrating the Government when Sir Franklin Gimson (Governor of Singapore) was away.

[1] Blythe was awarded Companion of St. Michael and St. George (CMG) for his services to Malaya in 1953 New Year Honours.