Pte George Jackson DCM, 1/4th Essex Regiment.

Discussion in 'British Army Units - Others' started by Owen, Oct 5, 2009.

  1. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

    In the HMSO book THE TIGER KILLS is a lovely potrait of a DCM winner from The Essex Regiment.
    The book was published in 1944.
    Sadly he was killed that same year.

    [​IMG]

    CWGC :: Casualty Details

    Name:JACKSON, GEORGE
    Initials:G
    Nationality:United Kingdom
    Rank:Private
    Regiment/Service:Essex Regiment
    Unit Text:1/4th Bn.
    Age:28
    Date of Death:07/10/1944
    Service No:6021512
    Awards: D C M
    Additional information:Son of Sarah Jackson, of Islington, London.
    Casualty Type:Commonwealth War Dead
    Grave/Memorial Reference:XVIII, A, 1.
    Cemetery:CORIANO RIDGE WAR CEMETERY
     
  2. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

    Here's the entry from the London Gazette regards his DCM.
    Gazette Website: PDF Navigator

    http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/attachments/general/21261d1254781176-pte-g-jackson-dcm-1-4th-essex-regiment-lgjackson-jpg
     

    Attached Files:

  3. idler

    idler GeneralList

    Owen, you might find this interesting. The attachment is from The Essex Regiment 1929-1950 and reads like B20 but 1943 TA style!

    In the main text it is pointed out that Jackson just missed out on a VC. I presume this was because the only officer witness was wounded and captured (though he did survive and get liberated at the end of the campaign).

    If that's not enough, in July 1942, Jackson also grenaded a gunpit during another patrol. It was visited after Alamein and found to have half-a-dozen graves inside. No gong for that one, though.
     

    Attached Files:

    Owen likes this.
  4. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

    Thanks for that idler, indeed it does read a bit 'Boys Own' doesn't it?
    Or as The Tiger Kills says on page 181 , like a 'Buchan thriller', it also says it was 'told extensively in the press and over the radio..'

    [​IMG]


    It is mentioned in the history of Fourth Indian Division too.

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]


    Here's his DCM recomendation, as idler says it was for a VC but that is crossed out.

    [​IMG]

    There are also four witness statements from members of that patrol.
    T/L/Cpl Patrick, W/Cpl Thompson , Ptes Hounson & Sykes.
     
  5. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    It says DCM (Immediate). I wonder if someone didn't want to wait for it all to be checked and made official so opted for a DCM as it could be awarded quicker for some reason? His citation reads as good as some VC's I've typed up.

    I've ordered a book that is a British Army guide for officers about how to write citations and awarding medals etc. Hopefully there maybe something in there that is a clue...Bit of a bummer for Jackson - I wonder if he or his family ever knew he was recommended for a VC.
     
  6. idler

    idler GeneralList

    Regarding Jackson's death, the history has no detail, I'm afraid. On the night of 5/6 Oct 44 1/4 Essex assaulted Tezzo alongside the Nabhar Akal (an Indian State Troops battalion) to 'put out the enemy's eyes' in front of the Gothic Line. From there, the text mentions an axis of advance Sarsina-Monte Petra-La Gondolfo, then jumps to 16 Oct.
     
  7. Tom Canning

    Tom Canning WW2 Veteran WW2 Veteran

    Idler
    Just come across your posting of 7/10/09 - obviously the text is not quite with it shall we say - on 5/6th Oct 1944 - 8th Army was beyond the Gothic Line to all intents and purposes after Rimini was taken on 23 rd September and were in to the Romagna- 10th Indian Div was heading for Cesena (where Smoky Smith of the Cdn Seaforths won the V.C. ) and other parts and so it would be difficult for anyone to "put out the enemy's eyes in FRONT of the Gothic Line"

    Cheers
     
  8. Jackson DCM

    Jackson DCM New Member

    I am the great niece of Pte G Jackson DCM and am amazed and proud to be! We have the medal but have never known as to why he got it and where. I have the book the tiger kills now and so will have a read. Does anyone know anymore info than what the book will give?

    Thanks for your help
     
  9. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

    Welcome to the forum.
    Sorry I deleted my photobucket account so the pic of his recommendation for the DCM went with it.
    You can buy it online from TNA to download for £3.30 here.
    http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D7361592


    edit: Just remembered I printed them off. I shall scan & edit back into post.

    edit: cheers D just fired up scanner but no need to now.
    :)
     
  10. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D7361592
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    Owen likes this.
  11. Jackson DCM

    Jackson DCM New Member

    Thank you for all your help - he was obviously a very brave man. It's amazing that we have the medals but never had any idea of how he achieved them. He has the Italy star and Africa star along with the Defence medal, the Great War Medal and the DCM. We also have the issuing paperwork but it does not mention as to why it was awarded so thank you for your time/effort and scans. Even prouder now!
     
  12. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    Another near miss for a Victoria Cross thanks to Monty.
     
  13. minden1759

    minden1759 Senior Member

    Jackson DCM.

    Given that he was not killed until Oct 44, that would place him at Monte Cassino during the Third Battle in Mar 44 when 1/4 Essex had the gruesome task of holding the Castle whilst the rest of the Brigade tried to work its way up the side of Monastery Hill. The Battalion's losses were enormous but they did as they were asked. Impressive.

    Regards

    FdeP
     
  14. Charley Fortnum

    Charley Fortnum Dreaming of Red Eagles

    Cross post here for the circumstances of Jackson's death:
    Essex Regiment North Africa / Italy
     

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