Medals belonging to a firefighter who was tasked with protecting St Paul’s Cathedral during the Blitz will be sold for a charity auction.
The medals belonged to Major Frank Whiteford ‘Gentleman’ Jackson who commanded the London Fire Brigade during the Second World War.
Protection of St Paul’s Cathedral
The proceeds from the sale of the 10 medals – the Second Ward ‘London Blitz’ Gallantry CBE group – will benefit the Fire Fighters Charity which Major Jackson set up in 1940.
On December 29, 1939, Major Jackson was directly instructed by Winston Churchill to protect St Paul’s Cathedral at all costs.
That evening, heavy bombardment occurred around the City and the direct vicinity of St Paul’s, but it escaped virtually undamaged.
The event later became known as the “Second Great Fire of London”, and 160 people were killed, 16 of whom were firefighters.
Tribute to Major Jackson
Upon awarding Major Jackson’s CBE in 1941, Winston Churchill said: “Major Jackson’s is the biggest job of its kind in the world.
“His is the brain which controls the use of all London’s fire-fighting resources, from the big stations down to the smallest of its 3,000 appliances.
“He is the leader of an Army of 33,000 gallant men and women.”
Supporting Firefighters
The medals are being put up by Major Jackson’s grandchildren. They are expected to fetch between £20,000 and £30,000.
The auction will take place on Wednesday, March 18 at Noonans Mayfair in London.
Ellie Rocks, Director of Fundraising at Fire Fighters Charity said: “We are deeply honoured that Major Frank Jackson’s family have chosen to support Fire Fighters Charity through the sale of his medals.
“This remarkable gesture ensures that Frank’s lifelong commitment to the fire services
community lives on, helping its members manage the impact of service, recover from injury or illness, and find strength through life’s challenges.”
