Lives of the First World War

known July 1916

Not everybody who was mentioned in the newspaper columns at this time had been wounded. Jack Isaac was one of four brothers serving in the army. They were the sons of Mr Charles Isaac, of St. Mary's Road who had been huntsman to Mr Fernie's hounds. In its July 11th (1916) issue the Advertiser reported that Jack: has been awarded the Military Medal for "conspicuous bravery in Willow Walk - exposing himself to go to the assistance of a wounded comrade who was lying unconscious in a dugout, smashed in by a shell. He bandaged Hill and sat with him whilst the Germans were shelling the trench, until dark." How did people like Jack Isaac's parents feel when they received news like this? Pride in their son's achievement certainly, but pride tinged with concern for so often the citation showed the danger to which a son had been exposed. The Isaacs had little time to appreciate Jack's award for little over a month later on August 19th he was killed.

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