William Greenfield Jackson was the son of marine engineer, John William Jackson, and his wife, Isabella.

He joined the High School in 1902, leaving in 1906 (according to the school records) to go into "business". However, in 1911 he was recorded as being a rate clerk and assistant overseer" with the South Shields Corporation.

He signed up in September, 1914, as a Private for short service with the 18th (1st County) Battalion of the Durham Light Infantry, and was mobilised the following month.

He first served abroad with the Expeditionary Force in Egypt, from 6-Dec-1915, and then in France, from 5-Mar-1916.

Whilst in action in France, he received a gunshot wound to his buttock (later described as "slight shrapnel wounds") and was buried as a result of a bombardment. He was removed to Rouan, and then to Manchester, where the doctor decided that there was no need to remove the shrapnel. He remained in hospital for about 8 weeks, andthen returned to Newcastle.

Eventually it was decided that he was no longer fit for active service, and he was honourably discharged, and awarded the Silver War Badge.

He survived the war, and is believed to have died in Hastings in 1959.