We are informed that the Jewish soldier referred to by Col. Vaux (reported last week) was Pte Issy Jackson, youngest son of Mr and Mrs. A Jackson, highly respected members of the Jewish Community who, until their recent removal to Newcastle-on-Tyne, resided in Sunderland for over forty years.
The deceased soldier joined His Majesty's Forces immediately on the outbreak of war. He was very popular in his regiment, being very enthusiastic about the duty he owed to his native country in the time of her need. He left for the front on April 19th and in less than a week was fighting in the trenches at Ypres, being among the reinforcements hurriedly sent up to relieve the Canadians, who were overcome by gas. He came through this ordeal successfully and was almost continuously in the thickest part of the fighting until he was wounded by shrapnel on May 15th. He was at this time in his dugout with two other Jewish soldiers- his own personal friends, Pte T. M. Cohen and Pte. Henry Jacoby. His wound was not considered serious but he only lived five hours afterwards, passing away peacefully in the dressing station, his friend Pte Jacoby, being present as he breathed his last.
His death was mourned by the whole of his company. From officer to man he was known to be one who did his duty and was deservedly popular with all. His friends asked for permission which was readily granted, to bury him according to the Jewish religion and on he following day, Sunday, five Jewish soldiers dug his grave and all the Jewish members of his battalion were present when at 2pm the same day he was buried outside the dressing station. Pte. T. M. Cohen read the burial service in Hebrew, and recited the Kaddish.