We take another peek into the past with this story from The Eccles and Patricroft Journal of March 1916 which tells the story of popular Eccles man, Sergeant Major Jack Bailey who had been reported missing in action presumed killed.
Jack Bailey was well known to to readers of the Eccles and Patricroft Journal as he had joined the army in 1914 and had written ‘cheery letters’ to his friends at home telling them how well the war was going which were published in the newspaper.
Jack lived at Lane End, Eccles with his wife and children and was an army man through and through joining the Second Battalion of The Lancashire Fusiliers in 1914.
He fought at The Battle of Mons in August 1914 which was the first major battle of World War One in which some 1,600 British troops were killed and the British Army were forced into a humiliating retreat to avoid further losses.
Jack had been gassed twice and slightly wounded several times and was never out of the firing line apart from a short furlough home in October 1915.
He was quickly promoted to the rank of Sergeant Major on account of his bravery and popularity with his fellow soldiers.
Jack’s wife received a letter on Friday March 18 from a pal of Jack’s called Lance Corporal, H. Ridley who was serving with C Company, First Lancashire Fusiliers which read;
“I am sorry to tell you that Jack is missing, he took over a post during a German attempt to take our lines.
“We had a terrible time and the Germans got into our trenches and soon after we saw four men being taken back to the German lines.
“They had put up an excellent fight for at daybreak we found seven dead Germans and one of ours just over the parapet”
He then urged Mrs Bailey not to be down-hearted as he was certain that Jack had been taken prisoner.
On Sunday 20 March she received a letter from Company Sergeant Major Gregory which contained grave news.
“It is with the deepest regret that I have to inform you that you husband is missing and we are under the impression that he is a prisoner as we can find no trace of him.
“We were told by a man that was wounded near him that Bailey was killed but we don’t attach any importance to that statement.
“You must hope for the best and if we get any more information we shall let you know.
“All the officers and men of the Battalion send their deepest sympathy as Jack was the bravest and best soldier in the Company and was respected by everyone.
“I hope for your sake and the dear children that Jack is alive”
So what did happen to Jack Bailey?
Further research into his army life reveals a fascinating story, however you shall have to wait until tomorrow to find out, but it is well worth waiting for I promise you.
