Princess Royal Fortress Military Museum > Records

Second World War 'Reference Letter' for Gunner Charles Frederick JACKMAN, W17457

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1938

Overview

The letter is typed in black ink on A5 beige paper and is dated 30th June 1940. The Commanding Officer’s signature in black ink is located at the bottom of the letter. The letter has two punch holes on the left-hand side and shows signs of wear with some tears at the top along with crumpled edges on all sides and creases throughout.

Historical information

The Citizens Military Forces in the Second World War were created using the structure of their First World War predecessors. “It has been said that Australia 'over-mobilised', with well over a million people in uniform from a population of barely seven million. Fit and able veterans of WW1 rejoined in large numbers for the defence of the Homeland. The Army in particular expanded rapidly and helped meet the burgeoning training demand of new recruits. Equipping it was another matter. It quickly became apparent that a much greater level of self-reliance would be needed than had been anticipated. Garrison Battalions were raised from the outset, to man PoW Camps, protect Vital Points and to man fixed Defences.” Source: https://vwma.org.au/explore/campaigns/54

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-12-2021.8.3

Item type

Letters

Themes

War and Conflict > World War 2

Material

Ink

Paper

Height or length

165 mm

Depth

0.5500 mm

Weight

2 g

Inscriptions and markings

On front “Australian Military Forces – 5th Military District / Artillery Barracks, / ALBANY. W.A. / 30th. June 40. / TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN / This is to certify that No.48665 Gr. Jackman C.F. has been / a member of the 124th Heavy Battery R.A.A. (M) for the past 2 years and / 9months, during which time he has given every satisfaction. / Gr. Jackman is a very willing worker, thoroughly honest / and trustworthy, at the present time is studying signalling. / I have no hesitation in recommending him to anyone / requiring his services. FCM Vaughan Major. / O.C. 124 Hy. Bty.”

Contextual information

Charles Frederick JACKMAN was born on 9 May 1919 in Lockwood, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, England. He travelled to Fremantle, Western Australia in 1934, arriving on 23 December via Colombo. JACKMAN enlisted in the 24th Heavy Artillery Battery , Royal Australian Artillery (militia) on 29 July 1937 at the age of eighteen (18). He spent three (3) years and ten (10) days in service at the Princess Royal Fortress, Albany, Western Australia, and qualified as a ‘Layer’ and ‘Lewis Gunner’ before being discharged on 7 August 1940. On 27 August 1940, JACKMAN enlisted in the 5th Veterinary Hospital and was discharged as “Medically Unfit” on 21 January 1941. He worked locally including at the Freemasons Hotel on Stirling Terrace for three (3) months until July 1941, and the Vacuum Oil Company from 28 June 1943 until 17 January 1946. JACKMAN married Betty Milne at St John the Evangelist Church in Albany on 12 April 1947, and died in Albany on 13 July 1985. He is buried in Allambie Cemetery, Albany.

Keywords

Charles Frederick JACKMAN

Princess Royal Fortress

124th Heavy Battery RAA

Second World War

Albany

Place made

Albany, Western Australia, Australia

Year

1938

Primary significance criteria

Historic significance