Walter Jackson, Cook

Born in Canada in about 1864. He married Emma Jane Cummings from County Donnegal, Ireland at Holyhead in 1885. In 1901 the family were living at 9 Wian Street, Holyhead and comprised - Walter Jackson (37), Ship's Cook, Emma Jane Jackson (36), Emma Margaret Jackson (14), Dressmaking Apprentice, Maggie Jackson (13), Florence May Jackson (11), Annie Jackson (6), Annie Louise Jackson (3), Walter (1). Other children born later include William (b. 1903), Rose (b. 1906) and Albert (b.1908). This census also records Walter Jackson as a Cook on board PS Banshee, in Holyhead Harbour. In 1911 the family lived at 1 Hedsor Street, Holyhead. His wife died at Holyhead in 1918, aged 54, leaving nine children.

His son Walter James Jackson was serving on HMS Scotia in the Mediterranean Sea at the time the Tara was lost. He was later a survivor of the loss of HMT Scotia at Dunkirk in 1940.

His daughter, Maggie, married CSM John Bulkeley of 51st Bn. Welsh Regiment in 1912. He died in March 1920 and is buried at Maeshyfryd Cemetery.

Walter Jackson drowned when HMS Tara was sunk. His body was recovered by one of the lifeboats and brought ashore.

Awarded the Mercantile Marine Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.

Commemorated on the Chatby Memorial at the Alexandria (Chatby) Military and War Memorial Cemetery. His body was buried at the shore at Port Bardia. His grave was never found and remains there to this day. He is remembered on a family gravestone at Holyhead (Maeshyfryd) Burial Board Cemetery.