Current Information:

Age-23

Enlisted-Camden Town

Quatre-Vents Military Cemetery, Estree-Cauchy, France

On 19th May, 1916, 47th Division sidestepped to the south and took over the Berthental and Carency sector of the Vimy Ridge, just to the north of Arras. Their arrival here coincided with a German onslaught against these positions which for the first 2 days took the form of a barrage of large trench mortars or Minenwerfers, known to the British soldier as “minnies”. But the full force of the German army was not felt until the next day, 21st May, 1916. The trench mortars continued to batter the British line until midday and then, at 3pm, after a lull, there began an intense artillery bombardment of the front from Royal Avenue to Momber and Love craters, the positions held by 7th London and 8th London of 140 Brigade.

For 50 yards to their left the trenches, held by 20th London of 141 Brigade were also bombarded.  This bombardment not only covered the front but all the back positions too, including billeting villages 7 to 8 miles back. In the line to the left of 20th London was 19th London and although not directly involved in the German attack they too were subjected to the shelling and it is likely that this caused the death of Reginald Jackson who died of wounds on 22nd May.