Peterborough & The Great War

Biography

Vincent Jackson was born in Kilnhurst, Yorkshire on 1 January 1890, to parents Thomas, a coal miner, and Catherine.  In 1901 Vincent, aged eleven, was living with his parents at Warren Vale, Rawmarsh, Rotherham and siblings Lydia (7), Maxwell (4) and Lilian Eliza (1).  By 1911, the family were living at Thrybergh View, Clay Pit Lane, Rawmarsh.  Vincent and his father were coal miners and Maxwell was a ‘linker underground’ at the colliery.

Vincent attested on 8 January 1915, and joined the 2/5^th York and Lancaster Regiment Territorial Force.  He was 25 years old, 5ft 9in tall with a 38in chest.  He gave his address as 25 Bramwell Road, Rotherham and his occupation as tram driver.  His service record reveals he left for France on 14 January 1917 and was posted to 2/4^th Battalion in February 1918.  At the time of demobilisation on 3 March 1919, he was attached to 9^th Corps HQ.  Vincent was awarded the British War and Allied Victory Medals.

Vincent was travelling with comrade, Corporal J Peel, when he passed through Peterborough East Station on 30 October 1916 and they wrote in the visitors’ book “Enjoyed the refreshment and appreciated very much the kindness shown.”

Vincent married Ethel Sneath on 15 May 1915, at Rotherham and they lived at 28 Clough Street, Masborough, Rotherham.  They had three children Harold V (1915), who died as an infant, Mary (1921) and Arnold (1923).

In 1939, the family are living at 2 Doncaster Place, Rotherham.  Vincent was a bus driver, Mary a plastic worker and Arnold in the steel works.  Vincent died in Rotherham in 1962, aged 72.

Could you be related to Vincent?  Do get in touch if you can tell us more.