58688: Leonard Jackson 54993 Family Portraits
My Grandfather Leonard Jackson of Millbridge near Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire, was killed on the 26th of September 1917, aged 28, at Passchendaele, Belgium. There is no grave as he was blown to pieces by a shell. His name is on the Tyne Cot memorial near Ypres.
He enlisted in June 1916, joining the Royal Welsh Fusiliers as he was working in Wales at the time. He was wounded in the leg in April 1917, but was sent back to the front after treatment.
He left behind a widow, Minnie, and three little girls; Ruby aged 2, Constance aged 4, and Evelyn Mavis, my mother, aged 6. Mother always remembered walking into town with him in his uniform on his last leave, and was very proud of him.
The photographs are as follows
Leonard Jackson photographed in 1913
Minnie Jackson, date unknown
Their 1909 Marriage Certificate
Leonard and Minnie together
Minnie Jackson with Constance, Ruby and Evelyn Mavis
Constance, Ruby and Evelyn Mavis
Where are the now those strong and silent men,
Whose young keen faces blur with passing time,
They were at our sides when we left our native shores,
but somehow, in the hell that was to come, they were no more.
And when it was all done and we came home,
To tears, and cheers, and sweetheart loving arms,
They were not there those brave and silent men.
And now our wrinkled tearstained faces turn,
As we move past those scarlet poppy wreaths,
The ones who walk unaided help the lame,
And those who cannot see are guided on,
Where are they now those men forever young.
Editor's Comment:
Pte. 54993 Leonard Jackson, 10th Bn. Royal Welsh Fusiliers, was killed on the opening day of the battle of Polygon Wood (the third phase of the third battle of Ypres), serving in the 3rd Division.
