Lance Corporal John “Jack” Vernon
64138 Sherwood Foresters (Notts & Derby Regiment)
Jack Vernon was born in 1898, at 252, Fletchers Row, Ironville, son of John (Jack) and Margaret Ida (nee Reeves). Jack had a brother named Horace and a sister Alice Ada May Vernon. He attended the Ironville & Codnor Park School.
Jack was stationed at Normanton Barracks, Derby and served as a recruiting officer. He therefore knew and personally attested the majority of our local men into the Sherwood Foresters, many of whom did not return. After the war, at every Remembrance Day Service, Jack personally read out all of the names of those from Ironville, Codnor Park and Jacksdale, who had fallen during World War One. He was also a churchwarden at Ironville Church and chairman of the Pye Hill Male Voice Choir for many years.
Photo: Jack Vernon Front Row, Far Right.
After his military career Jack took up employment at James Oakes Pipe yard and was awarded his gold watch, for 50 years service, in 1963. (Jack’s brother Horace also received a long service award from the pipeyard and was also a member of Pye Hill Male Voice Choir).
Jack and his wife Doris (nee Naylor) had two children, son Jack who became a Doctor and daughter Margaret. Special thanks go to Margaret for sharing Jack’s story with us and for loaning family photographs. In recognition of Jack Vernon’s enduring service to Ironville church a plaque of dedication was placed in the choir stall, within the church, shortly after his death in 1976. ” Last April we were all saddened by the death of Mr Jack Vernon, a long-serving member of our church. Indeed, on Advent Sunday, November 30th 1975, Mr Vernon completed 69 years service as a choirboy and in turn choirman, choirmaster and for two periods churchwarden. Mrs Vernon and family expressed the wish that there should be a lasting memorial in the church to his many years of loyal service and at Parish Communion on November 21st a small plaque was dedicated by Rev. Batsleer. The plaque is placed on the choir stall, very close to where Mr Vernon served as chorister for many years. Mrs Vernon and her family attended the dedication. The plaque reads as follows : To the glory of god And in loving memory of Jack Vernon A faithful and devoted choirman And worshipper at this parish church 1907 - 1976 Died 17th April 1976 R.I.P. “