John Jones, Royal Welsh Fusiliers

Private, 266139 (formally 3514), 1/6th (Carnarvonshire & Anglesey) Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Died, killed in action, aged 32, on 6 November 1917 at the Egyptian Theatre of War.

The Battalion was formed in August 1914 in Caernarvon as part of the North Wales Brigade, Welsh Division. On 13 May 1915 the formation became the 158th Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. It sailed on19 July 1915 for Gallipoli, going via Imbros and disembarking at Suvla Bay on 9 August 1915. In December 1915 the Division was evacuated from Gallipoli and moved to Egypt. On 3 August 1918 the Battalion amalgamated with 1/5th Battalion to form the 5/6th Battalion.

He joined the 3/6th Battalion RWF at Caernarvon in April 1915 aged 29 years and 4 months. He was initially declared unfit for foreign duty as he had a flat foot. At this time he was employed as a Railway Porter. He arrived at Gallipoli at the end of the campaign and then transferred with the 1/6th Battalion RWF to Egypt. In March 1917 he spent some time in hospital and again in September of the same year with illness. He was awarded a Good Conduct Badge in April 1917.

By October 1917, General Allenby's force had been entrenched in front of a strong Turkish position along the Gaza-Beersheba road for some months, but they were now ready to launch an attack with Beersheba as its first objective. The Third Battle of Gaza took place between 27 October - 7 November and included the capture of Beersheba on 31 October. This was followed by the capture of Tell Khuweilfe (3-7 November) where the 158 Brigade was heavily involved. The Official History describes what happened ".....there were few casualties as the infantry moved forward behind an excellent barrage. In the centre the left company of the Hereford and the 6/R. Welch Fusiliers carried their objectives with the bayonet; then pressing forward down the slope beyond, surprised and captured nine field guns with their detachments. But the companies which had made this advance were now far ahead of the troops on either flank, and, suddenly counter-attacked from three directions, were compelled to abandon the guns and withdraw to higher ground. To crown their misfortune they were mistaken in the mist for Turks and fired on by the British artillery, so that they fell back once more, portions of their line in some confusion. The Turks followed up quickly and captured some prisoners at this point before the troops were rallied and had taken up a new line, on which a company of the 5/R. Welch Fusiliers was moved up to support them. On the left the 7/R. Welch Fusiliers and 4/R. Sussex both captured their objectives, Hill 1706 and the spur to the west." It was during this action that Captain John Fox Russell, MC, RAMC of Holyhead, and Medical Officer for the battalion, won a posthumous Victoria Cross for bringing in and treating wounded under fire. Gaza was found to be evacuated by the Turks the next day.

Born at Holyhead the son of Owen and Jane Jones, of Holyhead. He was the husband of Kate Jones, Ashley House, Black Bridge, Holyhead. They married at Holyhead in 1909 and in 1911 lived at 5 Moreton Terrace, Holyhead. He was then employed as a Labourer. A son, Oswald Jones, was born on 8 December 1911. In May 1918 his wife was awarded a pension of 20s/5d for herself and one child. At the same time her husband's identity disc was returned to her as his only remaining effects.

Awarded the 1914-15 Star, Victory Medal and British War Medal.

Buried in the Beersheba War Cemetery, Israel. Grave location F.86.