Mexborough and Swinton Times November 2 1918
Corporal Norman Jackson
Coldstream Guards
Corporal Norman Jackson, Market St, Swinton. With further reference to the soldier, who is very gallant death in action as already been recorded, we print a letter received by his mother from Captain E.P.A. Moore as follows:
“I fear I have a very bad piece of news for you. Your son, who was in my company, has been killed in action.I think I can realise what a blow this must be to you, his mother, since I, who have not known him many months feel his loss greatly.
In the attack of September 27th your son was magnificent. That is all I can say. He set an example, which made a difference to the whole battle. He jumped into the canal du Nord in the face of a heavy machine-gun fire, and was the first to follow his officer in an attack on an enemy trench.
It was while doing this that he was shot through the head. I think his platoon officer has written to you about it.
Perhaps he didn’t tell you Lance Corporal Jackson has been recommended for a posthumous Victoria Cross.
I pray with all my heart that he may get it. No one ever deserved it more. I wish I were able to do something to soften the blow to you. If my mother can possibly be of any help to you, please write to her.”
Mr and Mrs Jackson have also received a touching and eloquent appreciation of their son from an Adult Bible Class of which he was a member
From C.W.G.C.:
Lance Corporal
JACKSON, THOMAS NORMAN
Service Number 20810
Died 27/09/1918
Aged 21
1st Bn.
Coldstream Guards
V C
Son of Thomas Edwin and Emma Jackson, of 3, Market St., Swinton, Rotherham.
Inscription
“FATHER FORGIVE THEM FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO” S.LUKE 23.34”
Citation
An extract from “The London Gazette,” No. 31034, dated 26th Nov., 1918, records the following.-
“For most conspicuous bravery and self-sacrifice in the attack across the Canal Du Nord, near Graincourt.
On the morning of the 27th September, 1918, Lce. Cpl. Jackson was the first to volunteer to follow Capt. C. H. Frisby, Coldstream Guards, across the Canal du Nord in his rush against an enemy machine-gun post, with two comrades he followed his officer across the Canal, rushed the post, captured the two machine-guns, and so enabled the companies to advance.
Later in the morning, Lce. Cpl. Jackson was the first to jump into a German trench which his platoon had to clear, and after doing further excellent work he was unfortunately killed. Throughout the whole day until he was killed this young N.C.O. showed the greatest valour and devotion to duty and set an inspiring example to all.”