Jack Sherwood Kelly
Encyclopedia
Lt. Col Jack Sherwood Kelly VC, CMG, DSO (born Queenstown, Cape Colony, South Africa, 13 January 1880, died Kensington, London, England, 18 August 1931) was an adventurer and soldier who served with distinction in Somaliland, Matabeleland, The Second Boer War
, World War I
(1914–1918) and the North Russian Expedition 1919. He is chiefly remember for his very public attack on Winston Churchill
in September 1919 which ultimately led to his court martial at Middlesex Guild Hall, England, on October 28, 1919. His letter to the Daily Express published on Saturday 6 September 1919 sparked a national outcry against the government in general and Churchill in particular.
During his military career he achieved fame and notoriety for his mixture of heroic exploits and explosive temperament. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for his exploits in Gallipoli in February 1916 and on 1 January 1917 was awarded the Companion of St Michael and St George (CMG). During the summer and autumn of 1917 he commanded 1st Battalion, the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and was instrumental in the early success achieved during the Battle of Cambrai on 20 November for which he received the Victoria Cross
from King George V at Buckingham Palace on 23 January 1918. Kelly was gassed and wounded at various times.
During the political instability of 1923-24, Jack Kelly stood for the Conservative Party at two general elections for the constituency of Clay Cross in Derby. His controversial and outspoken style struck a cord even amongst the most hardened socialist supporters in this largely mining seat. He was defeated in the December 1923 elections by 6,000 votes but had reduced this by half a year later in the election of October 1924. During the election rallies, Kelly again hit the national headlines having thrashed some hecklers at Langwith, England.
In later years, Kelly worked for Bolivia Concessions Limited building roads and railways across Bolivia and went big game hunting in Africa where he contracted malaria. He is buried in Brookwood Cemetery
in Surrey, England. His medal group including the Victoria Cross can be found in the South African Museum of Military History in Johannesburg.
Second Boer War
The Second Boer War was fought from 11 October 1899 until 31 May 1902 between the British Empire and the Afrikaans-speaking Dutch settlers of two independent Boer republics, the South African Republic and the Orange Free State...
, World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
(1914–1918) and the North Russian Expedition 1919. He is chiefly remember for his very public attack on Winston Churchill
Winston Churchill
Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill, was a predominantly Conservative British politician and statesman known for his leadership of the United Kingdom during the Second World War. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest wartime leaders of the century and served as Prime Minister twice...
in September 1919 which ultimately led to his court martial at Middlesex Guild Hall, England, on October 28, 1919. His letter to the Daily Express published on Saturday 6 September 1919 sparked a national outcry against the government in general and Churchill in particular.
During his military career he achieved fame and notoriety for his mixture of heroic exploits and explosive temperament. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for his exploits in Gallipoli in February 1916 and on 1 January 1917 was awarded the Companion of St Michael and St George (CMG). During the summer and autumn of 1917 he commanded 1st Battalion, the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and was instrumental in the early success achieved during the Battle of Cambrai on 20 November for which he received the Victoria Cross
Victoria Cross
The Victoria Cross is the highest military decoration awarded for valour "in the face of the enemy" to members of the armed forces of various Commonwealth countries, and previous British Empire territories....
from King George V at Buckingham Palace on 23 January 1918. Kelly was gassed and wounded at various times.
During the political instability of 1923-24, Jack Kelly stood for the Conservative Party at two general elections for the constituency of Clay Cross in Derby. His controversial and outspoken style struck a cord even amongst the most hardened socialist supporters in this largely mining seat. He was defeated in the December 1923 elections by 6,000 votes but had reduced this by half a year later in the election of October 1924. During the election rallies, Kelly again hit the national headlines having thrashed some hecklers at Langwith, England.
In later years, Kelly worked for Bolivia Concessions Limited building roads and railways across Bolivia and went big game hunting in Africa where he contracted malaria. He is buried in Brookwood Cemetery
Brookwood Cemetery
Brookwood Cemetery is a burial ground in Brookwood, Surrey, England. It is the largest cemetery in the United Kingdom and one of the largest in western Europe.-History:...
in Surrey, England. His medal group including the Victoria Cross can be found in the South African Museum of Military History in Johannesburg.