George Jaques 1873 - 1915

George Jacques photo Barnsley Chronicle 17th May 1915
with thanks to Barnsley Archives

Born:

1873

Military Service:
Enlisted:  Pontefract, Yorkshire

Regiment and Battalion: York and Lancaster, 3rd Battalion

Service number and rank : Corporal 3/4541

Entered Theatre of War:  home service only

Awards: none

Death:    9th September 1915

Buried at: Barnsley Cemetery

Grave Reference: M168  

Remembered:
St Marys Church Combined War Memorial

Links & Notes: 
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Lives of the First World War

George Jaques was the son of Tom and Jane Jaques. husband of Charlotte Jaques.  He was born in Barnsley and lived at 8 Spawell Cottages, Eldon Street North, Barnsley 
 
There appears to be two different spellings of this man's surname i.e. Jaques/Jacques

There was a long article in the Barnsley Chronicle on 14 August 1915 reporting the events around the death of George Jaques from which the paragraphs below have been transcribed.  With thanks to Barnsley Archives.


ACCUSED BEFORE THE MAGISTRATES.


At South Shields County Petty Sessions on Tuesday, Private John William Oaklands was charged with having caused the death of Corporal George Jacques by shooting him with a rifle.  Superintendent Yeandle said on Monday afternoon Oaklands with another solder was taken to the detention camp at Frenchman's Point in consequence of some military offence.  While the men were being examined prior to heing taken over by the officers at the dentention camp Corporal Jacques, who was conducting the examination had to check Oaklands from talking.  A little later Oaklands was seen to raise his rifle and fire.  The bullet struck Corporal Jacques on his left side and killed him, passing clean through his body and struck another none-commissioned officer, Sergt. Bull but fortunately without serious results.  Oaklands was immediately seized and handcuffed.  Sergeant Bull's watch was struck and this probably saved his life.  When charged by the civil police, Oaklands replied "I am not guilty"  Asked by the court if he had anything to say against a remand, the accused replied, "Nothing to say, but I reserve my defence".  Prisoner was remanded in custody for a week.

EVIDENCE AT THE INQUEST

The inquest was held on Tuesday evening at the Court Buildings, South Shields.  Inspector Suddes represented the county police and Private John William Oaklands, who is in custody on a charge of causing Corporal Jacques death, was also present.  The first witness was John Blocksidge, who stated that he was acting seargt - major at the Frenchman's Point detention camp, while Corporal Jacques had been employed there as a warder.  Corporal Jacques was about 43 years of age and married, and witness understood that he had six children.  He was a member of the National Reserve and rejoined his old regiment (York and Lancs) when war had broken out.