Sergeant Charles Alan Jacobs was born in Westminster, London and attested for the Royal Engineers in July 1895, aged 22 years. Arriving in South Africa with 23rd Field Company, R.E., in June 1899, he remained on active service for the duration of hostilities and was one of just 45 Sappers to earn the 'Talana' clasp. He was, moreover, Mentioned in Despatches by Sir Redvers Buller, a reward that stemmed from Sir George White's report on the action at Talana Hill (London Gazette 23.3.1900 refers). Advanced to Lance-Corporal in March 1900 and to 2nd Corporal in January 1901, the latter promotion was back dated as a reward for his services in South Africa. As a member of 23rd Field Company, Jacobs would also have served in the siege of Ladysmith and at the actions of Geluk and Bergendal, in addition to witnessing the occupation of Lydenburg. Once more promoted, at the end of hostilities, to Corporal, having latterly been attached to No. 5 Field Company, he went on to serve in Hong Kong prior to being discharged as a Sergeant at Woolwich in July 1910.