It's a long way to Tipperary

Oldbury, Langley and Warley Local History have unveiled a blue plaque dedicated to Jack Judge, the composer of the WWI Marching Song “Tipperary”.

At the ceremony was the granddaughter of Jack Judge, Gillian Nicklin, Alderman Martin Prestidge and local history expert Dr Terry Daniels who is the Chair of the Oldbury Local History Group.

The Plaque is on the wall of the Rights and Equality Sandwell in Oldbury overlooking the site where Jack Judge sold fish before his career as a Music Hall performer and Composer.

His Son was Private John Judge 35506 8th Bn RWF John Judge born 1897 Oldbury Worcestershire son of Jack Judge and Ann Jane of 23 Low Town Oldbury Birmingham. He had brothers Thomas b.1902, James b.1905 and sister b. Jane Ann 1900.One of the songs that became famous during the Great War “It’s a long long way to Tipperarry” one of the troops famous marching songs as popular at home as on the battlefields of France and Flanders. Written and composed by Jack Judge and Harry Williams first recorded in 1914. Jack’s son John enlisted Birmingham 30th Oct. 1915 into the RWF at the age of 18 years 11 months at the James Watt Recruiting Station, James Watt Street, he stood 5ft 8inches tall, brown hair, grey eyes, weighed 125lbs, 35 inch chest with 2 inch expansion. Posted 3rd Bn for training at Litherland 5th Nov.1915 

Posted 8th Bn and with the MEF 25th April he embarked at Devonport 28th April 1916. Disembarked Basra 1st June. Admitted to hospital Sheikh Saad on 1st July rejoined his unit 19th Aug.1916. Killed in action at Basra 15th Feb.1917 Remembered on Basra Memorial panel 15 Iraq. Total service; Home 30th Oct.1915 until 24th April 1916; MEF 25th April 1916 until 15th Feb. 1917. British War and Victory medal.