Albert Jacka VC MC Bar (1893 - 1932)

Born 10 Jan 1893 in Layard, Victoria (Australia)

Ancestors

Husband of Frances Veronica (Carey) Duncan — married 21 Jan 1921 in St.Mary's, St.Kilda, Victoria

Died 17 Jan 1932 at age 39 in Caulfield, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

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Biography

This profile won Profile of the Week the Fourth week of January 2014.

We will remember them - Lest we forget
Roll of Honor Military Showcase Profile

Cpt. Albert Jacka was awarded a Victoria Cross

Captain Albert Jacka VC MC Bar was Wounded in Action during World War I.

Albert Jacka VC MC Bar is an Anzac who served in World War One.

Captain Albert Jacka VC MC Bar served in the Australian Imperial Force in World War I
Service started: 18 Sep 1914
Unit(s): 14th Infantry Battalion
Service ended: 10 Jan 1920

Albert Jacka VC MC Bar is Notable.

Albert Jacka was born January 10 1893 at Layard near Winchelsea, Victoria, the son of Nathaniel Jacka and Elizabeth Kettle. His family moved to Wedderburn, Victoria when he was five years old, where he attended the local school before working with his father as a haulage contractor. He was working for the Victorian State Forests Department at Heathcote, Victoria when the First World War started.^[1]

Albert enlisted on September 18 1914 in the A.I.F as Private^[2] 14th Battalion and trained at Broadmeadows, Victoria before embarking on December 22 1914 from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A38 Ulysses. Being promoted to Lance Corporal on the same date. Initially landing in Egypt for further training, and first combat in Gallipoli

The 14th Battallion landed at Gallipoli as part of the second wave but Albert volunteered to land as part of the first wave as an advanced party of the 14th to evacuate wounded. He later was posted to part of a trench network known as Courtney's Post, it was here he earned his VC and Australia's first.^[3]

NB: A Reward was offered to Australia's first VC Recipient by John Wren a Millionaire Business Man, of a gold watch and £500, a backroom Australian Labour Party manipulator, criminal underword figure and a thorough scoundrel as we will see later.^[4] But more importantly we will see the honor, integrity, dignity and pride of Albert Jacka, a trait that is distinctly Australian and the term to be "Proud to be Australian".

On May 19 1915 the Turks launched an assault against the Anzac Lines, breaking through and capturing part of the trench at Courtney's Post. At the end of the trench in a firing step was Albert Jacka who stayed at his position firing into the trench wall to keep the Turks at at bay until reinforcements were sent. Lieutenant William Hugh Hamilton who hearing shouts of "Turks in the Line" came up jumping into the trench firing his revolver and was promptly shot in the head. From battalion headquarters there now came another officer, Lieutenant Keith Crabbe, whom Albert warned not to step out into the firing line. Lt Crabbe asked Albert if he would charge the Turks and Albert replied that he would with some support, volunteers were asked for and Privates Howard, Poliness and de Arango stepped forward. Albert then led the three men around the corner of the trench against the Turks but all three were quickly hit and he was forced to retreat. A new plan had Albert taking a circuitous route through back trenches to get in behind the Turks. Once he was in position, another party would distract the enemy with a bomb attack. As the bombs exploded, creating noise and smoke, Albert jumped out into no mans land, ran to where the Turks were, and leapt in among them.

Albert Jacka bayonetting the Turks. by unknown artist

He quickly shot five men dead and bayoneted two more, the remainder fleeing and Private Poliness shot 2 more. As Lieutenant Crabbe entered the position later, Albert his face flushed with the tremendous excitement he had undergone during the previous hour, greeted him with an unlit cigarette in his mouth saying, "Well I managed to get the beggars Sir" Lt Crabbe commended Albert telling him he would be "Recommended".^[5]

Lieutenant Keith Crabbe (Killed in Action at Kaiajik Dere near Hill 60, August 22 1915),^[6] did indeed report and recommend Albert for his actions on the night of May 19/20 1915 but this was not followed up by the Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Richard Edmond Courtney who was ill at the time and later evacuated to Australia. It was Major General Alexander Godley the Anzac Divisional Commander who came to hear of Albert's actions and instructed that the necessary follow-up action be taken and a recommendation for for a VC was issued.^[7]

War Office, 24th July, 1915
His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to award the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned Officers and Non-commissioned Officers:-
No. 465 Lance-Corporal Albert Jacka, 14th Battalion, Australian Imperial Forces
For most conspicuous bravery on the night of the 19th–20th May, 1915 at "Courtney's Post",
Gallipoli Peninsula.
Lance-Corporal Jacka, while holding a portion of our trench with four other men, was heavily attacked. When all except himself were killed or wounded, the trench was rushed and occupied by seven Turks. Lance-Corporal Jacka at once most gallantly attacked them single-handed, and killed the whole party, five by rifle fire and two with the bayonet.^[8]

Albert Jacka now being Australia's first VC holder resisted the Australian Government effort to exploit this fact by having him repatriated back to Australia to participate in the recruitment drive for the A.I.F, preferring to stay with the 14th Battalion and his Mates on the Line in the trenches of Gallipoli.^[9]

Promotion came fast for Albert who was once described as shy, Promoted Corporal August 28 1915, Sergeant September 12 1915, Company Sergeant Major November 14 1915 and after being evacuated with all personnel, was offered a Commission passing through officer training school with high marks, and on April 29 1916 was commissioned Second Lieutenant. During this time, the AIF expanded and was reorganised; the 14th Battalion was split and provided experienced soldiers for the 46th Battalion, and the 4th Brigade was combined with the 12th and 13th Brigades to form the 4th Australian Division. He became a headstrong outspoken Officer often in conflict with Superiors (even Brigadier Generals) if he disagreed with an order and with a natural inclination to defend his soldiers.^[10]

Being an ex amateur boxer his methods of enforcing discipline usually involved a clip on the chin rather than military methods and the men of the 14th battalion became what was known as Jacka's Mob

In June 1916 Albert was at the Western Front near Armentieres and participated in raids against German trenches. Transferred to the Somme he was involved in the Somme Offensive, the battle was so intense that the Australians could only identify their lines by their dead and their shoulder patches.

On the morning of August 7 1916 at Pozieres, after a night of heavy shelling, the Germans overran a portion of the line which included Albert’s dug-out. Albert had just completed a reconnaissance, and had gone to his dug-out when two Germans appeared at its entrance and rolled a bomb down the doorway, killing two of his men. Emerging from the dug-out Albert came upon a large number of Germans rounding up some forty Australians of the 48th Battalion as prisoners. Albert at the head of seven men burst among them, the captive Australians also joining the fight and the living Germans became the captives(50). Despite being hurled from his feet several times by explosions and wounded in the head, arm and shoulder, Albert killed 12-20 Germans on his own with pistol and bayonet rescuing the Australians,^[11] for this action he was awarded the Military Cross.^[12]

Evacuated to 3rd General Hospital London on August 9 1916, Albert was Promoted Lieutenant August 18 1916 and on September 8 1916 was reported to have died from wounds received in battle.

The "Argus" Newspaper September 12, 1916

Dis-charged from hospital November 22 1916 Albert embarked for France December 15 1916 to rejoin the 14th Battallion, he was Promoted to Captain March 15 1917 and appointed the Battalion's intelligence officer. On 8 April 1917 Albert led a night reconnaissance patrol near Bullecourt to inspect enemy defences before an allied attack against the new German line. He penetrated the wire at two places, reported back then went out again to supervise the laying of tapes to guide the infantry and tanks. He observed a German officer and an enlisted man who had a clear view of the assembled troops. He then leapt at the two and captured both of them, leading them back to the Australian lines. For this action he was recommended for a Bar to the Military Cross which he received May 15 1917.^[13]

Albert was given Command D coy, 14th Battalion and took part in the June 1917 offensive, the Battle of Messines Belgium and on July 8 1917^[14] near Ploegsteert Wood was shot in the right thigh by a sniper, and he was again sent to the 3rd General Hospital London. Returning 2 months later, and on September 26 1917 leading the 14th Battalion in an attack on German Pill-Boxes during the Battle of Polygon Wood,^[15]Albert was recommended for the Distinguished Service Order but it was not granted. In April 1918 Alfred was sent to army school of instruction and only being back a few days when on May 15 1918 he was wounded again during a Mustard Gas Bombardment effectively ending his active combat duty.^[16]

Once again evacuated to hospital in London and after 2 operations the Australian Government again ordered his repatriation to Australia^[17] and once again Albert objected, even going on to say he was engaged to be married but this was probably just an excuse. Brigadier General Thomas Griffiths wrote a letter to General Sir William Riddle Birdwood in support of Captain Albert Jacka VC MC,^[18]and eventually it was agreed that he could stay 6 months^[19] in England. Albert was then Sports Officer at No1 Depot London until he embarked on H.M.A.T A14 Euripides September 9 1919 for return to Australia.

At 9 am on October 20 1919, H.M.A.T A14 Euripides docked in Port Melbourne, Victoria on board were Brigadier General Sir Thomas Albert Blamey, Colonel William Walker Russell Watson, 700 military personnel and Captain Albert Jacka VC MC. Waiting were the 14th Battalion, 85 cars belonging to members of the R.A.C.V and thousands of Australians but they all came to see Australia's first VC winner, Albert Jacka.

At Melbourne Town Hall. October 20, 1919

Albert was in the front car driven by the President of the R.A.C.V, Dr R E Weigall. The car was quickly swarmed over and Albert pelted with flowers, the hood of the car was damaged and the springs were rendered so flat that the wheels were jammed against the mudguards so it could not move, the 14th Battalion then took control and the motorcade was able to proceed to Melbourne Town Hall.^[20]

After speech's were made a greatly embarrassed Albert left quickly to see family before re-embarking H.M.A.T A14 Euripides for Sydney, New South Wales.

On January 20 1920 Albert's commission in the Australian Infantry Forces was terminated, he and 2 other 14th Battalion members formed a company importing electrical goods, Roxburgh, Jacka & Co. Pty Ltd. Albert could have used the Prize offered by John Wren but instead refused to take it, but he did take John Wren as advisor and John Wren had his brother purchase 75% of shares in Roxburgh, Jacka & Co. (Probably with John Wrens money)

On January 21 1921 Alfred married a typist from his office, Frances Veronica Carey at St.Mary's, St.Kilda, later adopting a child, Betty.

In September 1929 Alfred was elected to the Council of the City of St Kilda and became Mayor in 1930. He was active in championing the needs of former service men as the Great Depression started, and it was here during this time that John Wren wanted Alfred to take a safe seat in the Labour Government which Alfred refused. This upset John Wren and he promptly had his brother sell all his shares in Roxburgh, Jacka & Co at a great Loss causing the companies collapse.

1931 saw Alfred exhausted and suffering from his war injuries, during a council meeting he collapsed and was admitted to Caulfield Military Hospital. On 17 January 1932, he died from chronic nephritis.^[21]

Cpt Albert Jacka VC MC State Funeral

He was given a State Funeral, his body laid in state at Anzac House Melbourne and he was buried at St. Kilda Cemetery, with eight other Victoria Cross recipients acting as pallbearers and an estimated 6,000 witnesses to the burial as his body passed en route on a Gun Carriage to the cemetery.

State Funeral, horse drawn gun carriage

Many great things have been said of Captain Albert Jacka VC MC including he was Australia's Achilles, but the word that describes him best is:

Sources

• Visit : VWMA Virtual Memorial Albert Jacka . . . and photo . .
  
• AWM portrait of Captain Albert Jacka by George Coates (1921)
  

• WW1 AIF Service File - National Archives of Australia

1. ↑ State Forests Department PDF Albert Jacka Employment; Page 4. 3rd paragraph
2. ↑ National Archives of Australia Search page. Records for Albert Jacka WW1 Service are available to view.
3. ↑ London Gazette Dated; July 24, 1915, Australian War Department Extract
4. ↑ Australian Dictionary of Biography John Wren; reference to reward offered; paragraph 12.
5. ↑ Supreme Courage Author; Peter de la Billiere. Publisher; Hachette UK, 3 Feb 2011.
6. ↑ Australian Lighthorse Studies Center Honour Roll of the 14th infantry Battalion.
7. ↑ Australian War Memorial Diary of C E W Bean, Official Historian. Contains a reference to Albert Jacka's actions on May 19 1915 and the actions taken to award the VC. Warning; very large file of 42.24Mb
8. ↑ Australian Defence Department Letter Full citation of award of the VC to Corporal Albert Jacka''
9. ↑ Recruitment Poster Recruitment Posters and Bills were published but the Australian Government want Albert Jacka to personally appear at recruitment drives.
10. ↑ Promotion Dates Dates of all promotions of Captain Albert Jacka VC MC.
11. ↑ Service Record Military Actions and wounds received in Battle.
12. ↑ Military Award Recomendation War Office communication on the Awarding of the Military Cross.
13. ↑ Military Award Recomendation War Office communication on the Awarding of a Bar to the Military Cross and the actions of how it was earned.
14. ↑ anzacs.net Messines Ridge Belgium 1917 The greatest mining attack in history.
15. ↑ Passchendaele in Perspective : The Third Battle of Ypres. Author; Peter Liddle. Publishers; Pen and Sword, 30 Jan 2014.
16. ↑ Service Record Military Actions and wounds received in Battle at Messines Ridge.
17. ↑ AIF Communication AIF Headquarters orders for Captain Albert Jacka VC MC to return to Australia.
18. ↑ Letter Page 1 and Page 2 Letter from Brigadier General Thomas Griffiths to General Sir William Riddle Birdwood.
19. ↑ AIF Communication Albert Jacka's Approval for 6 Months in UK.
20. ↑ Trove Digital Archives Newspaper article on the return of Captain Albert Jacka; The Argus, Tuesday 21 October 1919.
21. ↑ Parliament of Australia Short Biography on Captain Albert Jacka VC MC.

See Also:

Albert JACKA Regimental number465 on the AIF PROJECT website first accessed online on the 8th of September, 2023.

Australian Dictionary of Biography Volume 9, (MUP), 1983. Kevin J. Fewster.

Australian War Memorial Albert Jacka

Australian War Memorial 14th Battalion A.I.F

wikipedia Albert Jacka.

anzacday.org.au

City of Port Phillip

Hard Jacka The Story of a Gallipoli Legend, Author; Michael Lawriwsky

Hellfire Corner Chris Murphy

The Hero Friends of St.Kilda Cemetery