Harold Jackson (VC)

Led a company through the spring offensive under enemy fire.

Harold Jackson grew up in Kirton, Lincolnshire, in a large working family. Before enlistment he worked with horses and on railway and building work, and took part in amateur boxing. He joined the Army in 1915, initially entering the 18th Hussars before transferring to the East Yorkshire Regiment. He reached France that July. With the 7th Battalion he fought on the Somme in 1916, was wounded during the July fighting and returned to the battalion in 1917.

His Victoria Cross recognised conduct on two dates during the German offensive of 1918. At Hermies on 22 March, he obtained information under a heavy barrage, helped deal with enemy troops entering the British positions and took over a threatened machine gun post. On 31 March, near Bouzincourt, the loss of his company's officers left him directing its withdrawal. He organised resistance, maintained control of the men and went back for wounded comrades. The award recognised sustained leadership as well as individual rescues.

The announcement appeared on 8 May 1918. King George V presented the cross at Buckingham Palace on 26 June, after Jackson had received a welcome in Kirton. He returned to active service and was killed on 24 August 1918 during fighting near Thiepval. His remains were recovered after the war and reburied in A.I.F. Burial Ground at Flers. His Victoria Cross and campaign medals remained together and were sold in 1989.

Official Victoria Cross citation

For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty. Sjt. Jackson volunteered and went out through the hostile barrage and brought back valuable information regarding the enemy’s movements. Later, when the enemy had established themselves in our line, this N.C.O. rushed at them and, single-handed, bombed them out into the open. Shortly afterwards, again singlehanded, he stalked an enemy machine-gun, threw Mills bombs at the detachment, and put the gun out of action. On a subsequent occasion, when all his officers had become casualties, this very gallant N.C.O. led his company in the attack, and, when ordered to retire, he withdrew the company successfully under heavy fire. He then went out repeatedly under heavy fire and carried in wounded.

Second Supplement to The London Gazette of 7 May 1918. 8 May 1918, Numb. 30675, p. 5556