JACKSON, Alfred Charles Harrop (1886-1915).JPG)
A C Jackson (War Service).
Born 11 November 1886, the son of Alfred Jackson and Annie nee Turner of Rollington, Highfield Grove, Kew, he was educated firstly at Ballarat College, and then Geelong College in 1899 and 1900.
He was then on the staff of the Union Bank, and at the outbreak of war he enlisted as (622) Private A C H Jackson in the Public Schools’ Company, 5 Battalion, embarking on 21 October 1914 on
HMAT A3 Orvieto. Subsequently, he was transferred to 6 Battalion having been commissioned Lieutenant, and embarked for Gallipoli. He was severely wounded in both legs in the attack on German Officers’ Trench on 6 August 1915. According to his ‘Particulars for the AWM Roll of Honour’, submitted by his father, he was recommended for distinction but died before this was conferred on him.
The citation recommending the award read:
‘In the attack on German Officers’ Trench on night of 6th/7th August I would like to draw your attention to the conduct of 2/Lt Jackson during the second attempt. He did splendidly in gathering his men together and preparing for the exit from the new firing line, no easy task after the repulse of the first attack. He was out first on the given signal and under a withering fire urged his men to follow him. His calm confident example in the face of great odds was a splendid example to the men. He led us under fire of two machine guns, heavy rifle fire and a hail of bombs. Soon after leaving the trench he was knocked over with a bullet wound in the foot. He got up and led us further when he was again hit on the leg with a bomb, smashing the leg badly. We carried him back to the trench, of the forty who went out with our patrol only eight returned unhurt.’ R W Walker in
To What End Did They Die also described the circumstances of his wounding:
‘Mortally wounded in the feint attack made from Steele’s on 7 August 1915. Died of wounds 9 August 1915.’ He was evacuated to Mudros where he died from his wounds, a compound fracture of the right tibia and fibula, and a bomb wound to the left thigh, at No 1 Stationary Hospital, Mudros, after an operation on his legs, on 10 August. He was buried in East Mudros Military Cemetery, Rev. J G Stirling officiating at the graveside - Grave II.D.53.
The AWM Collection contains letters of condolence to Jackson’s parents, and a letter from the Officer Commanding, 1st AGH, advising of his death from injuries received at Gallipoli. Jackson’s father died on 31 July 1919, thus his mother applied for his medals.
Sources: Based on an edited extract from Geelong Collegians at the Great War compiled by James Affleck. pp55-56 (citing Commonwealth War Graves Commission; R W Walker, To What End Did They Die: Officers who died at Gallipoli; Photo Pegasus December 1915.)