James Jackman
James Joseph Bernard Jackman | |
---|---|
Victoria Cross Medal | |
Born |
Dublin, Ireland | 19 March 1916
Died |
26 November 1941 25) El Duda, Tobruk, Libya | (aged
Allegiance | United Kingdom |
Service/branch | British Army |
Rank | Captain |
Commands held | Z Company, Royal Northumberland Fusiliers |
Battles/wars | |
Awards | VC |
James Joseph Bernard Jackman VC (19 March 1916 – 26 November 1941), was an Irish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
Details
He was 24 years old, and a Captain commanding Z Company of 1st Royal Northumberland Fusiliers, part of the 70th Division, during the Second World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC:
On 25 November 1941 at Tobruk, Libya, the assault on El Duda ridge was being slowed down by fierce enemy fire from anti-tank guns and Captain Jack as calmly as though on manoeuvres, led his machinegun company to ease the situation on the right flank of Allied tanks. Then, standing up in his vehicle, he led the trucks across the front between the tanks and the guns and got them into action on the left flank. His coolness and disregard of danger not only inspired his own men but also the tank crews. He was killed in action at El Duda the following day.
The medal
Jackman's Cross found its final home at his alma mater, Stonyhurst College, on permanent loan from his late sister's family.
References
Listed in order of publication year
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (1981, 1988 and 1997)
- Clarke, Brian D. H. (1986). "A register of awards to Irish-born officers and men". The Irish Sword XVI (64): 185–287.
- Irelands VCs ISBN 1-899243-00-3 (Dept of Economic Development 1995)
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- Irish Winners of the Victoria Cross (Richard Doherty & David Truesdale, 2000)
External links
- Captain J.B. Jackman in The Art of War exhibition at the UK National Archives