WARRANT OFFICER JACKSON, - The award of the Victoria Cross was conferred on Warrant Officer jackson in recognition of conspicuous bravery on the night of 26th April 1944. This airman was the flight engineer in a Lancaster aircraft detailed to attack Schweinfurt. After attack by an enemy fighter the Lancaster caught fire in the upper surface of the starboard wing. Sergeant Jackson in attempting to deal with the fire climbed along the outside of the fuselage and continued his efforts even when his parachute pack opened and he became involved in the flames. When the Captain realise
WARRANT OFFICER JACKSON, - The award of the Victoria Cross was conferred on Warrant Officer jackson in recognition of conspicuous bravery on the night of 26th April 1944. This airman was the flight engineer in a Lancaster aircraft detailed to attack Schweinfurt. After attack by an enemy fighter the Lancaster caught fire in the upper surface of the starboard wing. Sergeant Jackson in attempting to deal with the fire climbed along the outside of the fuselage and continued his efforts even when his parachute pack opened and he became involved in the flames. When the Captain realised that the fire could not be controlled he gave the order to abandon aircraft. Sergeant Jackson was unable to control his descent and landed heavily. He sustained a broken ankle, his right eye was closed through burns and his hands were useless. These injuries, together with the wounds received earlier, reduced him to a pitiable state. At daybreak he crawled to the nearest village, where he was taken prisoner. He bore the intense pain and discomfort of the journey to Dulag Luft with magnificent fortitude. After 10 months in hospital he made a good recovery, though his hands require further treatment and are only of limited use. This airman's attempt to extinguish the fire and save the aircraft and crew from falling into enemy hands was an act of outstanding gallantry. To venture outside, when travelling at 200 miles an hour, at a great height and in intense cold was an almost incredible feat. Had he succeeded in subduing the flames, there was little or not prospect of his regaining the cockpit. The spilling of his parachute and the risk of grave danger to its canopy reduced his chances of survival to a minimum. By his ready willingness to face these dangers he set an example of self-sacrifice which will every be remembered. Picture issued 1946. Photographic negative , Royal Air Force
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