James Joseph Bernard Jackman
Encyclopedia
James Joseph Bernard Jackman VC
(born in Dublin 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.
On 25 November 1941 at Tobruk
, Libya
, the assault on El Duda bridge 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. Ironically, he was killed next day.
He was killed in action at El Duda, Tobruk on 26 November 1941.
, Stonyhurst College
, on permanent loan from his late sister's family.
Victoria Cross
The Victoria Cross is the highest military decoration awarded for valour "in the face of the enemy" to members of the armed forces of various Commonwealth countries, and previous British Empire territories....
(born in Dublin 19 March 1916 - 26 November 1941), was an Irish
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
recipient of the Victoria Cross
Victoria Cross
The Victoria Cross is the highest military decoration awarded for valour "in the face of the enemy" to members of the armed forces of various Commonwealth countries, and previous British Empire territories....
, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
and Commonwealth
Commonwealth of Nations
The Commonwealth of Nations, normally referred to as the Commonwealth and formerly known as the British Commonwealth, is an intergovernmental organisation of fifty-four independent member states...
forces.
Details
He was 24 years old, and a Captain commanding Z Company of 1st Royal Northumberland Fusiliers, part of 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
Tobruk
Tobruk or Tubruq is a city, seaport, and peninsula on Libya's eastern Mediterranean coast, near the border with Egypt. It is the capital of the Butnan District and has a population of 120,000 ....
, Libya
Libya
Libya is an African country in the Maghreb region of North Africa bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, Egypt to the east, Sudan to the southeast, Chad and Niger to the south, and Algeria and Tunisia to the west....
, the assault on El Duda bridge 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. Ironically, he was killed next day.
He was killed in action at El Duda, Tobruk on 26 November 1941.
The medal
Jackman's Cross found its final home at his alma materAlma mater
Alma mater , pronounced ), was used in ancient Rome as a title for various mother goddesses, especially Ceres or Cybele, and in Christianity for the Virgin Mary.-General term:...
, Stonyhurst College
Stonyhurst College
Stonyhurst College is a Roman Catholic independent school, adhering to the Jesuit tradition. It is located on the Stonyhurst Estate near the village of Hurst Green in the Ribble Valley area of Lancashire, England, and occupies a Grade I listed building...
, on permanent loan from his late sister's family.
External links
- Captain J.B. Jackman in The Art of War exhibition at the UK National Archives