Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Private W. Jackson, Royal Fusiliers, 20th (Public Schools) Battalion who was killed in action at High Wood, during the Battle of the Somme, on 20 July 1916

1914-15 Star (5127 Pte. W. Jackson. R. Fus:); British War and Victory Medals (PS-5127 Pte. W. Jackson. R. Fus.); Memorial Scroll, in its original cardboard tube (Private Wallace Jackson, Royal Fusiliers) good very fine (3) £100-£140

Wallace Jackson, from Manchester, attested into the 20th (Public Schools) Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, for service during the Great War. He served on the Western Front from14 November 1915 and was reported ‘missing’ in the attack on High Wood on 20 July 1916 undertaken by the 1st Cameronians and 5th Scottish Rifles, with the 20th Royal Fusiliers being in support and the 2nd Royal Welsh Fusiliers being in reserve. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. The action at High Wood was later a cause of public outcry. Robert Graves in the first edition of Goodbye to all that refers to the officers and men fleeing the battle. After further consultation, Graves changed the entry in the 1924 edition to ‘some brave men of the 20th held their position’. The 20th Battalion War Diary entry for the day gives ample testament to the bravery of the unit in gaining and holding their position until relieved; listing four officers killed, three officers missing believed killed, one officer missing, seven officers wounded and 375 ‘other ranks’ killed, wounded and missing’.

Sold with copied Medal Index Card.