Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Private Frank Jackson was the son of Edward and Jane Jackson of Cessnock, New South Wales. He was only 19 when he enlisted and was working as a shop assistant for a large store in Cessnock, B.S. Kempe and Company, general merchants.

Frank had an older brothers enlist, Lieutenant James Jackson M.I.D., Belgian Croix de Guerre 34th Battalion AIF, who returned to Australia in 1919.

Frank was given a big send off in Cessnock during November 1915, and the Cessnock Patriotic Committee, presented him with a silver-mounted cigarette

case and holder, and a sheepskin vest. The speakers noted that during his residence in Cessnock that Jackson had proved himself to be one of the best. He was apparently a noted footballer, and it was remarked that Jackson was going to something more serious than a football match. He was said to be a thorough sport and a worthy citizen.

Frank served right through 1916 and was then awarded a Military Medal for his efforts during the attack on Stormy Trench by the 13th Battalion.

“In the attack on Stormy Trench, east of Gueudecourt on night 4/5th of February, 1917, Private Jackson greatly distinguished himself as a Battalion Runner, repeatedly carrying messages from advanced Battalion Headquarters to the assaulting Companies, and later across the open to the captured position, each time through a tornado of shell and machine gun fire. About two hours after the attack was launched, a message to O.C. Support Company was brought back, the runner stating that the Officer had been killed and his trench was a shambles. Privates McLeenan and Jackson then volunteered to take the message and endeavour to deliver it to the next in command. On the way they met the Lewis Gun Officer and a man taking over two Lewis Guns to replace two destroyed. The Lewis Gun Officer was wounded and McLeenan and Jackson then volunteered to get the guns through after delivering their message. Jackson was wounded in the attempt, but did not leave the gun until he had found someone to go on with it.”

Jackson’s wound was fairly serious and he was evacuated to England. After several months of treatment, he was returned to Australia during July 1917, due to a gunshot wound, left arm.

According to the Maitland Daily Mercury of 28 September 1917, Jackson was given a big welcome home.

“SOLDIER HERO. Private Frank Jackson, M.M., son of Mr. and Mrs. Jackson, of Allandale Road, Cessnock, was tendered a public welcome home on Wednesday evening. Private Jackson, who under the sobriquet of 'Plug,' is well known in football circles, has been on active service for about a year and nine months. Ho was a despatch carrier, and he was wounded in the arm, with the result that the limb is partially paralysed. So far as is known he is the first Cessnock soldier to be awarded the Military Medal. There was a large assemblage in front of the council chambers on Private Jackson's arrival. Mr. Cain, president of, the reception committee, welcomed the young soldier, and congratulated him upon his decoration. The president of the Cessnock Shire Council, Councillor J. Brown, welcomed Private Jackson on behalf of the citizens, and joined in congratulating him upon his distinguished military career. Private Jackson, who was received with cheers, briefly responded. He said he was very pleased to be, home again, and it was a source of satisfaction to him that he had done his bit.”