Lyonel Hugh Jacobson from Ashwell won the Military Cross during the First World War for conspicuous gallantry in action. Born in Quarndon, Derbyshire, Lyonel spent a year at the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich, before going out to Canada. When war broke out, he enlisted on 22 September at Valcasties Mobilisation Camp. His attestation papers give fascinating detail. He describes himself as a teamster and his next of kin can be found at the Turf Club, Piccadilly, London. Lyonel served with D Battery, 50th Brigade of the Royal Field Artillery. He was awarded the Military Cross after he established and maintained lamp signalling under heavy fire. Later he returned to Battalion Headquarters and reported the situation despite being injured. He died during the Battle of Arras at the end of April 1917. Lyonel is remembered in Ashwell on the war memorial outside the church and also on the brass plaque inside. His name is also carved on his mother, Elinor's gravestone, next to his half brother, in the churchyard. Jacobson's name is spelt Lionel on the two memorials, but his name according to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, and on his mother's grave, is spelt Lyonel. The inscription reads: In proud and grateful memory of her son Lyonel Hugh Jacobson Lieut. R.F.A. who fell on the battlefield of Arras April 29th 1917 aged 23. He lies at St Nicolas near Arras. Quo Fas Et Gloria Ducunt [Where Right and Glory Lead, the motto of the Royal Artillery]. In fact, he lies in the nearby Ste Catherine British Cemetery, a pretty little cemetery next to a church in a residential area on the outskirts of Arras, grave K.8.

We're grateful to Granny Ginger for additional information below.