William Robert Jackson

William Robert Jackson was conscripted in the army at the age of 20 in 1917 and was posted to 2nd /5th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment. This battalion was a second line territorial unit which had been formed at Scarborough in 1915. Early in 1915 the battalion was in Benton Newcastle where it became part of the 189th Brigade 63rd Division. In July the Division was in Cramlington and in November 1915 was training in Gainsborough Linconshire. This division was later disbanded and the battalion became part of the 220th Brigade 73rd Division while at Blackpool on November 9th 1916. After training as a signaller Private William Robert Jackson was sent with a draft to the front to replace the losses in the battalion. Like another former member of the Beeston Old Boys Percy Bettle he went missing believed killed in action during the first day of the German Spring offensive.

Beeston Gazette and West Notts Echo 21/6/1919 'Mr & Mrs John Jackson of 84 High Road, Beeston have this week been officially informed that their son, Signaller W R Jackson of the 2nd/5th, who was reported missing as far back as 21st March 1918 must now be recorded as having been killed on that date. (His brother,) Lance Corporal Edward Elston Jackson went through the whole campaign having been mobilized with the Robin Hoods at the outbreak of the War. This gallant soldier has seen some hard fighting including the "Battle of Hill 60" in Belgium where he was badly wounded; after that he spent some twelve months in hospital in England. On recovering he was sent back to France and later served in Italy with the 11th Battalion and later returned to France after again being wounded.' Research and photos posted by Brian Taylor with thanks to the family of the late Ray Smedley