Biographical notes about James Leonard Thomason Jackson, Officer in Command of Douglas Head Radar Station; accompanying satirical poem, 1977
Date(s): 1914
Creator(s): Various
Scope & Content: Biographical notes written by his son, describing James' banking career, his First World War experiences in England as a gunlayer, his loss of hearing, retraining as a telephone engineer and later career. Regarding the radar school on Douglas Head used to train naval telegraphists of HMS Valkyrie during the Second World War, there is also a satirical poem (unknown author) in the style of an Old Testament book. It concerns the 'son of Jacob who is set in authority in this 'ere ruddy loony bin ... set on the summit of Mount Radar.' This 'son of Jacob' says to his visitors, 'Cor chase my Aunt Fanny round the Wrennery we are but mortal men like unto thyself. We are chocker with dwelling in this electric and bloodstained mountain and our hearts yearn exceedingly for peace'.
Administration / Biographical History: James Leonard Thomason Jackson (1891-1972) was the son of James Dodd Jackson and Sarah Ann Thomason. In 1934 James joined the Royal Naval wireless reserve, trained as a telegraphist, and became a trainer. On the outbreak of the Second World War James saw active service on HMS Warrior II, then HMS Hood in 1940. He was selected to become a technical branch officer and given duties to build and equip the future Douglas Head radar training school which took a year to set up. Once the radar station was completed James became the principal radar training officer of HMS Valkrie for two years. James then moved to Portsmouth and was part of a special technical group responsible for the Normandy landings on D-Day.
Language: English
Extent: 2 items
Item name: Biographical notes; poem
Collection: Manuscript Archive
Level: FONDS
ID number: MS 08020
Retrieval number: MD 745
Record class: Private
Access conditions: No regulations or restrictions are implemented on this material. Advance notification of a research visit is advisable by emailing library@mnh.gov.im