Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Talana, Defence of Ladysmith (21027 Sjt. C. Jackson, R.E.) extremely fine

Sergeant C. Jackson was killed in action at Wagon Hill, Ladysmith, on 6 January 1900. It was in this action that the Royal Engineers greatly distinguished themselves and Lieutenant Digby Jones won the Victoria Cross.

On the evening of the 5th January, Lieutenant Digby Jones had been sent to Wagon Hill in command of a working-party, consisting of thirty Sappers, some bluejackets, Gordon Highlanders and Imperial Light Horse, to make an emplacement for a 4.7-inch gun. At about 2.45 a.m. on the 6th, they were surprised by the Boers, and, after ordering the men to stand to arms, Digby Jones, at once, himself extinguished the lanterns which were giving a line for the enemy’s fire. There they made a most gallant stand till about 5.30 a.m., when reinforcements arrived.

Later on, when all the officers of the Gordons and Imperial Light Horse had either been killed or wounded, he took command, and rallying the hard-pressed men again and again, kept possession of the crest of the hill. Later still, when the sudden appearance of a party of Boers on that part of the hill had caused its worn-out defenders to retire in disorder, Digby Jones got his first intimation of the presence of the enemy, under De Villiers, on the crest, in the shape of a shot over the parapet at a distance of only a few feet, which killed Corporal Hunt, R.E. In a moment Digby Jones picked up a rifle and, dashing round the end of the emplacement, shot De Villiers, Lance-Corporal Hockaday at the same time shooting De Jaegers. Digby Jones was then heard to say “What’s up? The Infantry have gone.” A man replied, “There is an order to retire, sir.” Digby Jones said, “I have no order to retire,” and at once ordered bayonets to be fixed, and, calling his men to follow him, led them to the charge, reoccupying the firing line in front of the emplacement.

Later, while leading his men forward, he was struck in the throat by a bullet and was instantly killed. 2nd Lieutenant George Dennis, R.E., thinking him only wounded, went forward, helping to carry a stretcher, from rock to rock to assist his brother officer. Whilst stooping over him he was shot through the brain and fell dead across the body of his friend and comrade.

In addition to Lieutenant Jones, 2nd Lieutenant Dennis, and Sergeant Jackson, both corporals and two sappers were also killed on Wagon Hill, and a further five sappers wounded. Lieutenant Digby Jones was subsequently awarded the Victoria Cross.