Rifleman Green and Private Jackson
Richard Pursehouse and Lee Dent from Cannock have been carrying out further research work about the Messines model uncovered on Cannock Chase last year. Richard, a book distributor, and Lee, a truck driver, have traced the stories of two local soldiers – from Stafford and Cannock – involved in the conflict who actually served with the New Zealand and Australian forces.
Stafford-born soldier, Allan Frederick Green, originally lived at Radford Bank, then on the outskirts of Stafford. He later emigrated to New Zealand and joined the First New Zealand Rifles in 1916, when his occupation was given as farm hand. Rifleman Green was killed in action at the age of 21 on June 7 1917 in Messines town centre, close to the church during an attack on German machine gun positions. His body was never found, but his name is listed on the war memorial at Weeping Cross and his story has been researched by the Berkswich Historical Society.
The other local soldier was Private Thomas Jackson, originally from Hednesford Road, Cannock, who emigrated to Australia with his brother William shortly before the outbreak of the First World War and worked on a dairy farm in Victoria. He joined the Australian army in 1916 and was killed, aged 29, on August 17 1917 during a German artillery barrage targeting troops reinforcing the Messines defences. Eyewitness accounts said he died of his wounds within half an hour of being caught up in a shellburst. A friend described him as a “fine soldier”. He was buried at Messines cemetery and his name is also listed on the Cannock war memorial.