Captain Albert Jacka is at rest in St Kilda Cemetery. He was born on 10 January1893 in Layard,
Victoria. He was awarded Australia's first Victoria Cross for bravery at Courtney’s Post on the Gallipoli
Peninsula on 19 May 1915 during the First World War. He also received the Military Cross and a bar to that
award for his efforts at Pozieres in August 1916 and Bullecourt in 1917. Jacka returned to Australia with much fanfare
in September 1919.
In his post war years he went into business and embarked on a political career. Sadly his business went into voluntary liquidation in 1930 with the onslaught of the depression. His health deteriorated shortly afterwards. He succumbed to kidney disease in 1932. His coffin was carried by eight Victorian Cross winners.
It seems he experienced much in life from country Victoria, the tragedy of Gallipoli, from idolism to bankruptcy. WWI was heralded as the War to End All Wars. Although he died young perhaps it is fortunate he did not see WWII.
Shared with Taphopile Tragics.
In his post war years he went into business and embarked on a political career. Sadly his business went into voluntary liquidation in 1930 with the onslaught of the depression. His health deteriorated shortly afterwards. He succumbed to kidney disease in 1932. His coffin was carried by eight Victorian Cross winners.
It seems he experienced much in life from country Victoria, the tragedy of Gallipoli, from idolism to bankruptcy. WWI was heralded as the War to End All Wars. Although he died young perhaps it is fortunate he did not see WWII.
Shared with Taphopile Tragics.
So high to end so low in such a short time! What a roller coaster life! Not just the war but the Depression years overturned so many lives! Interesting post!
ReplyDeleteI love the Jacka story, amazing feats of bravery. Great post.
ReplyDeleteGuess we never know the twists and turns in life that await us. I like the added touch of the hat on the tombstone.
ReplyDeleteSuch an interesting post and an impressive monument. I love the hat at the base.
ReplyDeleteBeneath Thy Feet
the hat is a very personal touch that almost makes me choke up a little.
ReplyDeletethat is a sad story. and nice words on a grave do not change anything to that...
ReplyDeletemmm ... kidney disease ... makes me think of either mustard gas, or alcohol ... maybe I am too suspicious. It is no surprise really that his business failed, as many of the returned soldiers were given 'bounty' for which they did not have sufficient skill. A grateful nation knew nowt else.
ReplyDeleteWith this guy as an antecedent, I am astounded that Victorians allowed that football galoot to use the nickname that he does!