Harold Jackson (VC) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Harold Jackson
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|---|---|
| Born | 31 May 1892 Kirton, Lincolnshire, England |
| Died | 24 August 1918 (aged 26) Thiepval, France |
| Buried |
AIF Burial Ground, Flers, France
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1915−1918 |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Service number | 18474 |
| Unit | 18th Hussars East Yorkshire Regiment |
| Battles/wars | First World War |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Sergeant Harold Jackson was a brave British Army soldier who lived from 1892 to 1918. He received the Victoria Cross (VC), which is the highest award for incredible bravery given to soldiers from Britain and Commonwealth countries. He earned this special medal for his actions in March 1918 during the First World War. Sadly, he died in battle five months later.
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Harold Jackson's Early Life
Harold Jackson was born on May 31, 1892, in a place called Kirton, in Lincolnshire, England. His parents were Thomas and Ann Jackson.
When he was older, Harold worked as a drayman, which meant he drove a cart for deliveries. Around 1912 or 1913, he moved to Nottingham and started working on the railways. Later, he became a bricklayer for a building company.
Joining the First World War
Harold Jackson joined the British Army in April 1915. This was about eight months after Britain entered the First World War. He first joined the 18th Hussars, which was a cavalry regiment (soldiers who fought on horseback).
He was sent to France to fight on the Western Front. After a few months, he moved to the East Yorkshire Regiment, a group of foot soldiers. He joined the 7th Battalion, which was made up of volunteers.
Key Battles and Injuries
Harold Jackson fought in the Battle of the Somme, a very big battle. On July 1, 1916, he was part of the group that captured Fricourt. Two weeks later, he was hurt during the Battle of Bazentin Ridge.
He was sent back to England to get better. After he recovered, he rejoined his battalion in 1917.
Heroic Actions and the Victoria Cross
In March 1918, during a major German attack called the German spring offensive, Harold Jackson's battalion was defending a town called Hermies.
On March 22, Harold, who was now a sergeant, bravely volunteered for a dangerous mission. He went out to gather information about the enemy, even while German artillery shells were exploding around him. Later that day, he fought off a German attack and destroyed a machine-gun post all by himself.
Over the next few days, his regiment had to slowly retreat while still fighting. Near a town called Albert, on March 31, all the officers in his company were either killed or wounded. Harold took charge and led his company. He even went back under heavy enemy fire to rescue wounded soldiers.
For his incredible bravery between March 22 and March 31, 1918, Harold Jackson was awarded the Victoria Cross (VC). This medal was created in 1856 and is the highest award for bravery in the British Empire.
What the Award Said
The official statement for his Victoria Cross said he showed "most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty." It mentioned how he volunteered to go out and get important information about the enemy. It also highlighted how he single-handedly bombed enemy soldiers out of their position and destroyed a machine-gun. Finally, it praised him for leading his company and rescuing wounded men when all his officers were gone.
Receiving the Medal
Harold Jackson received the ribbon for his Victoria Cross on May 18 from Lieutenant General Cameron Shute. He then returned to England to get the actual medal. This special ceremony happened at Buckingham Palace on June 26. Later, his hometown of Kirton held a public celebration for him.
Harold Jackson's Final Days
After a break, Harold went back to his battalion on the Western Front. He was killed in action on August 24, 1918, in Thiepval, France.
He was first buried near where he died. In 1927, his remains were moved to the AIF Burial Ground in Flers. Harold Jackson is remembered on several memorials, including one in his hometown of Kirton, one in Boston, and another in Wood Green, London.
The Victoria Cross Medal
Besides the Victoria Cross, Harold Jackson also received other medals: the 1914–15 Star, the British War Medal, and the Victory Medal.
His sister, Mary Searby, kept his Victoria Cross. She later lent it to their father, Thomas Jackson, for an event at Buckingham Palace. The medal stayed with their father until he passed away, and then it went back to Mary. In the mid-1950s, it was passed to her niece. In 1989, Harold Jackson's Victoria Cross and his other medals were sold to a private collector.
