Friday 26th October 1917

Zudausques

Training and range practice.

Pte. Samuel Lawton Birtles (see 5^th October) was admitted to 70^th Field Ambulance, suffering from diarrhoea; he would be discharged to duty two days.

Pte. James Kayley (see 27^th March 1916) was admitted via 10^th Stationary Hospital at St. Omer to 51^st General Hospital in Etaples; he was suffering from syphilis.


Pte. Thomas George Coates (see 15^th October), who had suffered wounds to his left shoulder on 20^th September, was transferred from the military hospital in Eastleigh to 2^nd Western General Hospital in Manchester.

Pte. Harold Parsons (see 23^rd September), who had been in England for the previous month, was posted to 3DWR at North Shields.

The London Gazette published official notice of the award of the DSO to Lt.Col. Francis Washington Lethbridge (see 23^rd September). There was also notice of a similar award to Maj. Herbert Henry Hudson MC (see 16^th July), 11^th West Yorks, who had been temporary CO 10DWR in June and July. He had also gained the award during the actions of 20^th September.

The weekly edition of the Craven Herald reported news of the death of Pte. William Walker Jackson (see 25^th September), who had been killed in action on 20^th September.

HORTON-IN-RIBBLESDALE - SIGNALLER JACKSON KILLED IN ACTION 

Still another name is added to the Roll of Honour by the death in action in France of Signaller William Walker Jackson, elder son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Jackson, of Dub Cote. The first intimation of something amiss was contained in a letter of September 25th to Mrs. Jackson from a comrade, who states:- "I am writing to let you know that Willie was rather badly wounded when we were in another roughish corner, and although I have made enquiries I cannot get any definite information respecting him. So far he is reported wounded and missing, as they have not got any word as to his passing through any of the dressing stations. It happened on the morning of the 20th. Although we had a rough time of it we had quite a victory. The night before we went up I had a talk with Willie, who was quite up with it. We realised that some would be sorted out and would not come back. The Colonel made a touching speech yesterday when we got back and congratulated us on the splendid manner in which we did the task allotted to us. Tears of pride came into our eyes as we stood listening to him, mingled with tears of sorrow as we thought of those who had paid the price. It is only in moments such as these that you would think we have any feeling at all. Our Commanding Officer is a rare sort, and I don't think there is a man who would not give his life for him."

Subsequent communications from the deceased's company officer gave but little hope of his being alive, and the fateful news was received on Friday morning with intense regret and a sense of profound sympathy with the bereaved parents and family that Signaller W. W. Jackson had been killed in action in France on September 20th. Such loss would indeed be very depressing were it not redeemed by the knowledge that these brave men do their duty so fearlessly and well for the great cause of human liberty and the defence of our Empire.

The deceased, born May 31st, 1895, was educated at Horton School, of which his mother was an esteemed member of the staff some years ago, and proved an intelligent scholar. After leaving school, he assisted his father on a farm, and his patriotism being aroused he joined up on November 16th 1915, and was attached to the West Riding Regiment. The greater part of his training took place at North Shields, where he passed for service as a first-class signaller. He was home on final leave in August 1916, and proceeded to the Western Front last February. His letters home were always cheerful, despite the execrable climatic conditions often pertaining, and the continuous shrieking and whistling of shells. The family desire to express their appreciation of the many messages of sympathy accorded them.

Pte. William Walker Jackson

There was also news of Pte. Albert Christopher Benson (see 1^st June 1915):

HONOUR FOR COWLING SIGNALLER

Signaller Albert Benson, Duke of Wellington's, has won the Military Medal for bravery. The event, which gained him this distinction, is described as follows:- "Several of his pals were badly wounded and buried by a bursting shell, while engaged at an advanced post. With great coolness and courage whilst under shellfire, Signaller Benson dug them out and got the stretcher bearers up to them." His Officer afterwards recommended him for the distinction, which has now been given him. Private Benson enlisted on September 21st 1914, and went out to France on August 24th 1915. At the time he enlisted he was employed as a weaver by Messrs. John Binns and Sons Ltd., Croft Mills, Cowling.

I am, as yet, unable to confirm the award of the Military Medal to Pte. Benson as no record has been found in the official records and some subsequent correspondence casts doubt as to whether the award was ever formally made. 

 

Pte. Albert Christopher Benson