Remembering William Jackson - The youngest Australian to be awarded the Victoria Cross

By Krista Schade Originally published in The Riverine Grazier on September 14, 2022

John William Alexander Jackson was born on 13 September 1897 on 'Glengower' Station at Gunbar. In commemoration of his birth, this week 125 years ago, we remember his bravery.

On February 15, 1915 William Jackson enlisted in the Australian lnfantry Forces in the first group of volunteers from Gunbar. William was just 17 years old, at the time of his enlistment.

On August 20 he was landed at Gallipoli and fought at Kaiakij Aghala (Hill 60). On April 10, 1916 Jackson's division took over a forward position in the eastern Armentieres section of the Western Front. On the night of 25 June 1916 the events took place which won the Victoria Cross for the young 18-year-old soldier from Gunbar.

His commendation read;

“(Private Jackson) was returning from a successful raid, when several members of the party were seriously wounded by shell fire in No Man's Land. Private Jackson returned safely, handed over a prisoner, and immediately went back under the heaviest shell fire, and assisted in bringing in a wounded man. He went out again, and assisted a sergeant to bring in another wounded man. Then a shell blew off Jackson's arm, and rendered the sergeant unconscious.

Private Jackson returned to the trenches, obtained assistance, and went out to look for two wounded comrades. His work was always marked by the greatest coolness and bravery. He set a splendid example of pluck and determination.”

William Jackson remains the youngest Australian to be awarded the Victoria Cross and his was the first VC to be won by an Australian on the Western Front.

The Grazier of September 22, 1916 reported the award.

“Private William Jackson is the oldest son of Mr John Jackson, of Gunbar. He was born on the 13th September, 1897, at Glengower, Gunbar, and is consequently not quite 19 years of age. His mother's maiden name was Adelaide Ann McFarlane, and she, too, was a native of Gunbar, where the young soldier spent all his life, prior to enlisting. His father is a native of Sydney. Mrs Jackson, his mother, died about eleven years ago. The young hero's full name is John William Alexander Jackson, but he was always known as Wm. Jackson. Both his father's and his mother's people are well known about Gunbar, and the district can fairly lay claim to the recipient of the greatest of all military honors as a district boy. Private Jackson is a fine specimen of the Australian youth, physically, and prior to volunteering, he had a local reputation for strength and reckless daring.”

The Town celebrated his return with a crowd of cheering locals awaiting his disembarkment at Hay Railway Station. Private Jackson was taken in the Mayor’s motor car to the first of a series of events held in his honor. He dined at Tattersall’s hotel as the guest of Council and various local dignatories and members of his family, before a reception at Federal Hall.

One speaker is recorded as saying “Bill was not looking for a VC that night; he was looking for a cobber.” Private William had continued to venture into No Man’s Land even after receiving his own injury.

The postwar years were hard on this brave man. After a variety of jobs, he moved to Melbourne in 1953. He died in the Repatriation Hospital, Heidelberg, aged 61.

Images above: (Left) The Victoria Cross. Image courtesy Arghya1999. Right: Private John William Alexander Jackson of Gunbar is the youngest recipient of the Victoria Cross, Australia’s highest war time honour. Image: Australian War Memorial.