World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Victoria, Australia, he served as a Lance Corporal in the 14th Battalion and was one of the most exceptional fighting men in the Australian Imperial Force during World War I. On the night of May 19-20, 1915, at Courtney's Post, Gallipoli Peninsula, Lance Corporal Jacka, was holding a trench position with four other men when heavily attacked. When all except himself were killed or wounded, the trench was rushed and occupied by seven Turks. Lance Corporal Jacka attacked them single-handed and killed the whole party, five by rifle fire and two with the bayonet. For gallantry in the face of the enemy, he was awarded the Victoria Cross by King George V on September 29, 1916. He was the first Australian to be decorated with the Victoria Cross during the First World War. He was also awarded the Military Cross and Bar. The suburb of Jacka located in Canberra, Australia's National Capital is named in his honour. He became Mayor of the City of St Kilda in 1930. He went on to serve and distinguish himself in other actions for the remainder of the war, achieving the rank of Captain. He died from kidney disease at age 39 in Caulfield, Australia.
World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Victoria, Australia, he served as a Lance Corporal in the 14th Battalion and was one of the most exceptional fighting men in the Australian Imperial Force during World War I. On the night of May 19-20, 1915, at Courtney's Post, Gallipoli Peninsula, Lance Corporal Jacka, was holding a trench position with four other men when heavily attacked. When all except himself were killed or wounded, the trench was rushed and occupied by seven Turks. Lance Corporal Jacka attacked them single-handed and killed the whole party, five by rifle fire and two with the bayonet. For gallantry in the face of the enemy, he was awarded the Victoria Cross by King George V on September 29, 1916. He was the first Australian to be decorated with the Victoria Cross during the First World War. He was also awarded the Military Cross and Bar. The suburb of Jacka located in Canberra, Australia's National Capital is named in his honour. He became Mayor of the City of St Kilda in 1930. He went on to serve and distinguish himself in other actions for the remainder of the war, achieving the rank of Captain. He died from kidney disease at age 39 in Caulfield, Australia.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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