William Vernon Jackson – Royal Air Force, 206th Squadron

Second Lieutenant William Vernon Jackson – Royal Air Force, 206^th Squadron

Birth and Family Background

William Vernon Jackson was born in 1900 at Clydach. He was the son of William Jackson and Margaretta Griffiths, who were married in 1897 at Pontardawe, Glamorgan.

Early Life

1901 Census

At the time of the 1901 Census, the Jackson family were living at Cae Mawr, Clydach. William Jackson (34) was employed as a tinplate machine maker, while Margaretta (32) undertook household duties. Their children were William V. (1) and Winifred M. V. (3 months).

1911 Census

By the 1911 Census, the family had moved to Brynawel, Clydach. William Jackson (44) was working as a tinplate worker mechanic, and Margaretta (42) remained at home. Their children were William Vernon (11), Vida (10), and Edwin (8), all attending school, and Edith (5).

Military Service

RAF Officer Service Records

William Vernon Jackson enlisted in the Royal Air Force on 5 June 1918, joining as a Cadet during the final months of the First World War. After completing his training, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and posted to 206^th Squadron, an operational unit engaged in front-line flying over the Western Front.

Despite his short period of service, his posting placed him directly into active operations at a critical stage of the war, when air units were required to maintain constant pressure on a retreating enemy.

Operational Context – 206^th Squadron, 30^th October 1918

On 30^th October 1918, 206^th Squadron RAF was engaged in active reconnaissance and artillery co-operation duties over the Western Front during the final phase of the war. The squadron was operating in support of the Allied advance following the breaking of the Hindenburg Line, a period characterised by rapid movement, fluid front lines, and sustained aerial activity.

During late October 1918, 206^th Squadron’s primary tasks included tactical reconnaissance, contact patrols, and observation of enemy withdrawals. These missions were vital in providing up-to-date intelligence on German troop movements, transport routes, and defensive positions, as enemy forces retreated eastwards under pressure from advancing Allied armies.

The death of Second Lieutenant William Vernon Jackson on 30^th October 1918 occurred at a time when the air war was still being fought vigorously, despite the impending Armistice. His loss reflects the reality that Royal Air Force casualties continued right up to the final days of the conflict, underscoring the relentless nature of aerial operations and the heavy price paid by young airmen in the closing phase of the First World War.

Death in Action

Second Lieutenant William Vernon Jackson was killed in action on 30^th October 1918, less than two weeks before the Armistice ended hostilities. The precise circumstances of his loss are not recorded, but it occurred during a period of sustained operational flying in support of ground forces.

Burial and Commemoration

William Vernon Jackson
Y Farm Military Cemetery
credit - findagrave

William Vernon Jackson is buried at Y Farm Military Cemetery. His grave stands as a poignant reminder of the many young men who lost their lives in the final days of the First World War, some having entered military service only months before their deaths