Pte 21343 Ezra Jackson

Ezra was born in Broadheath, Cheshire in 1892 the son of Samuel Jackson and his wife Ann (née Coombs). His father was born in Derbyshire in about 1829, and appears to have been married previously, with a family.  His mother was born in Altrincham in about 1848 and had a daughter Mary Elizabeth in 1869.  In 1881 mother, 33, and daughter, 11, were living in the Altrincham Union Workhouse, Ann working as a charwoman.  His parents married in Altrincham in 1890. Ezra was their only child.

 

The 1901 census finds them at 8 Dale Street, Altrincham. His father is 71, a general labourer working on his own account, his mother is 52, working as a charwoman, Ezra is 9.
 

When Ezra was 14 his father died, aged 76, in 1906.  It is not known when his mother died.

 

Ezra Jackson, of Dale Street, was one of a number of youths summoned for playing “banker” in Broadheath.  As reported in the Alderley & Wilmslow Advertiser on 5th November 1909, they pleaded not guilty but were fined 5 shillings each.

 

In 1911 Ezra is a boarder in a boarding house run by Louisa Taylor, 57, at 9 Dunham Terrace, Broadheath, Altrincham.  Ezra is 19, a general labourer, iron moulders.

 

He was living in Manchester when he enlisted on 11th November 1914. He gave his age as 22 years and 11 months and his occupation as a Labourer. He is described as 5' 10, weighing 147lbs. He gives no next of kin, and gives his address as 13 Dale Street, Broadheath (this was the address of Alfred and Ellen Frances Woodcock).  He was posted to The King's Liverpool Regiment Depot on 12th November 1914 as Private 21343, before he transferred to the 13th Battalion of KLR. In July 1915 Infantry Records requested the name of his next of kin. Driver E. Jackson, 21343, 13th Battalion K.L.R., Transport, Albukera Barracks, Aldershot, responded that he had no parents, and the name and address of his aunt, his only relative, was not known.  He states he is a single man with no children but confusingly, on another page, his next of kin is shown as Mrs. Jackson (wife), 13 Dale Street, Broadheath. On 17th August 1915 at Aldershot,  for overstaying pass one day, he was for 5 days confined to barracks. He went overseas on 25th September 1915 with the 13th Battalion. In May 1916 Ellen Woodcock notified Infantry Records that her address had changed, formerly 13 Dale Street, now 131 Ravald Street, Oldham Road, Manchester.  

Ezra was wounded in action on 14th July 1916 and posted to the 20th Battalion of The King's Liverpool Regiment on 04th August 1916. He served in B Company, 7th Platoon. His records show that he was given 7 days Field Punishment No.1 on 05th December 1916 for failing to comply with an order. He attended a bombing course also in December 1916.  

 

Ezra was killed in action on 11th April 1917, aged 25, and now rests at Henin Crucifix Cemetery in France.

Henin-sur-Cojeul was captured on 02nd April 1917, lost in March 1918 after an obstinate resistance by the 40th Division, and retaken on 24 August 1918 by the 52nd (Lowland) Division.

Henin Crucifix Cemetery is named from a calvary standing on the opposite side of the road. It was made by units of the 30th Division after the capture of the village in 1917.

Henin Crucifix Cemetery contains 61 burials and commemorations of the First World War. Two of the burials are unidentified and eight graves, destroyed in later fighting, are now represented by special memorials.

The cemetery was designed by G H Goldsmith.

He had no next of kin and his effects were sent to a friend that he had nominated; Mrs Ellen Frances Woodcock of 131 Ravald Street,Oldham Road, Manchester. These effects were sent on 3rd June 1918 and contained; 1 Safety razor, 1 Cig lighter, 1 Coin, 1 Bag.  

 

Ezra earned his three medals. Mrs. Ellen Woodcock received his medals, as well as his Army effects, and a War Gratuity of £11, at the request of his legatee, her husband, Driver 245399 Alfred Woodcock, Army Service Corps. Alfred Woodcock enlisted on 9/8/1914 in the East Lancs Regiment and later served in the Army Service Corps in the Middle East. 

 

Ezra's Memorial Plaque and Scroll were sent to  Mrs. Jackson (sic), 1 Ravald Street. 

 

He is commemorated on the Altrincham & District Roll of Honour.

 

We currently have no further information on Ezra Jackson. If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.