Sidney's Story.
Birkenhead News 16 June 1917
WELL KNOWN HOYLAKE FOOTBALLER KILLED.
In Attempting a Brave Deed.
Capt. And Mrs. Fred Jackson, 33, Ferndale Road, Hoylake, have been notified that their eldest son, Sergt. Sidney Jackson, R.F.A., aged 23 years, has been killed in action. He joined the forces in August, 1914, immediately after the outbreak of war, and his knowledge of drill, chiefly gained through his association with the Church Lads’ Brigade, enabled him to gain early promotion. He was a Sunday School teacher in the Church of England Boys’ School, and a regular attendant at the Parish Church. Before enlistment he had been employed for seven years by Mr. E. W. Idle, Birkenhead Road, in the upholstering business. In the world of sport he was best known as a dashing centre-forward with Hoylake St. Hildeburgh’s club, being their leader when they won their chief honours. He also played for a time with the Hoylake A.F.C. The news of Sergt. Jackson’s death was communicated to his parents in the following letter by Major D. P. Denton, R.A. :- “Dear Mrs. Jackson, - I have very bad news for you, your son, No. 4611, Sergt. Jackson, has given his life for his country. The heartfelt sympathy of officers, N.C.O.’s, and men of the Battery is yours. We were in action, and a large quantity of ammunition was set on fire. Your son, without awaiting orders, and without hesitation, went into the midst of it with the intention of trying to put the fire out. An explosion very shortly afterwards caused his death instantaneously. His action was typical of the man. I formed a very high opinion of him nearly three years ago, and since then never had any reason to alter it. He was always a great asset to the Battery, and a man for whom we all had great respect and admiration. I have already brought to the attention of higher authority the very distinguished conduct which led to his death. The funeral was held yesterday, and was conducted, near by, by our chaplain.