JACKSON, George

George Jackson was the son of Edwin and Ellen Jackson of 128 New Street, Blackheath. He enlisted, possibly as late as 1918, in the Devonshire Regiment but sent to the 8th Battalion of the Berkshires. By September the Advance to Victory was approaching the Hindenburg Line, its crucial test, and much depended on battalions like the Berkshires with their young soldiers. German machine gun fire was as deadly as ever although British artillery was now much more consistent and accurate. The battle began on the 18th September and the target was the village of Epéhy which protected the Line. It was a fierce struggle and the casualties included Private George Jackson who was killed in action. He was 18 years of age and is commemorated on the Vis-en-Artois, Blackheath and Halesowen Memorials.