Person

George Jackson was born on 30 March 1892. His father was John Thomas Jackson (1862-1927) who was born in Wigan, Lancashire. His mother was Jane Jackson nee Wilkinson (1862-1929) who was also born in Wigan. George’s father was a coal miner and his mother a cotton factory operative in Lancashire at the time of the 1881 census. His parents married on 9 September 1889 in Wigan St James. They are known to have had seven children during their marriage of whom five survived infancy giving George three brothers and a sister.

George, like most of the Jackson children, was born in Wigan. Only their youngest son Reuben was recorded as being born in Sacriston. The family had moved to 166 Staffordshire B Street, Sacriston by the time of the 1901 census and were still living there at the time of the 1911 census. George was working as a putter in the local coal mine in 1911.

Before the war, George had served four years in 8th Battalion Durham Light Infantry (DLI). This was a Territorial Force battalion with headquarters in Durham City. On 4 September 1914, shortly after the outbreak of war, he attested in Durham in the Royal Field Artillery (RFA). He became a gunner with the service number 21604 and joined A/47 Brigade. This brigade was formed in September 1914 for the 14th Light Division of the First New Army. It had four batteries, A-D, each equipped with four 18-pounder guns.

George’s service record suggests he was first posted overseas to France on 20 May 1915 and served there for most of the war. He was awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field, as recorded in the Supplement to the London Gazette, 18 July 1917, page 7280. This award was reported, along with his photograph, in the Chester le Street Chronicle, 12 October 1917.

On 3 October 1917 George was reported by his commanding officer to have “proceeded on leave to the United Kingdom on 18/9/17 and has not yet returned. Will you kindly investigate the circumstances as to his absence”. A reply was received saying that he was admitted to 1st Northern General Hospital, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, whilst on pass from France suffering from acute rheumatism. After treatment he was discharged back to service until he was processed for discharge via North Camp Ripon, Yorkshire on 10 January 1919. He returned to Sacriston on demobilization.

There is a note from George on his service record which reads as follows “Just a line to let you know I was awarded the Military Medal for May 1917 and have not yet received it although I have been demobilized since Jan 10 1919. I am yours, Gunner Jackson.” After receiving a reply on 2 May 1919 he completed a standard form indicating the following “I require my Military Medal to be sent to me by registered post and not to be presented to me personally as I understand could have been done.” He replied to confirm receipt of his Military Medal on 8 May 1919.

George Jackson was awarded the Military Medal, the 1914-15 Star, the Victory Medal and the British War Medal for his service in World War One. He is honoured in Sacriston on the Roll of Honour Served 1914-18, Institute, Front Street, Sacriston and the Sacriston Working Men’s Club Roll of Honour Served 1914-18. He is believed to have died on 4 December 1958 in Peterlee.

George’s younger brother John Jackson served as an able seaman in the Royal Naval Division and died from exposure whilst serving in France on 12 January 1917.

Civil Parish: Witton Gilbert

Birth date: 30-Mar-1892

Death date: 04-Dec-1958

Armed force/civilian: Army

Residence: 166 Staffordshire B Street, Sacriston (1901 and 1911 census)

Religion: Church of England

Employment: Coal miner – putter (1911 census)

Family: Parents: John Thomas Jackson (1882-1927), Jan Jackson nee Wilkinson (1862-1929)
Siblings: Mary A Jackson (1886), Robert W Jackson (1890), John Jackson (1892-1917), Reuben Jackson (1899)

Military service:

21604
Gunner
Royal Field Artillery, A/47 Brigade

Medal(s): Military Medal (Supplement to the London Gazette 18 July 1917, page 7280)
1914-15 Star
Victory Medal
British War Medal

Memorial(s): Roll of Honour Served 1914-18, Institute, Front Street, Sacriston
Sacriston Working Men’s Club, Roll of Honour Served 1914-18

Gender: Male

Contributed by Sacriston Heritage Group | Durham County Record Office. Jack Mulligan and Lewis Cooper