Gunner, 112406, "A" Battery, 285 Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. Died, killed in action, aged 20, on 9 April 1918 at the Western Front.
The 285 Brigade RFA were part of 57th Division, which at the outbreak of war was deemed a 'second line' reserve unit as it contained men who had not agreed to serve overseas. When some of the 'first line' units of the senior 55th (West Lancashire) Division were sent overseas, their place in that Division was taken by the 'second line'. The remainder, less the artillery which was in a parlous state as far as equipment went, moved to concentrate at Canterbury, Maidstone and Ashford and were formed into the 57th (2nd West Lancashire) Division in August 1915. The 'second line' Divisions suffered greatly from lack of equipment of all sorts, and training was inevitably affected. The artillery did not leave its home basis for Canterbury until September 1915, having received some obsolescent equipment from the 'first line' units which were being re-equipped with modern guns. The passing of the Military Service Act in early 1916 deemed all men to have agreed to serve overseas and thus the Division was available to be sent, once it was trained. In July 1916 the units of the Division moved to the Aldershot area, being based at Blackdown, Deepcut, Pirbright, Woking and other places in the vicinity. The units crossed the Channel 7-22 February 1917 and completed concentration at Merris on 23 February 1917. Three days later it took over the right sector of II Anzac Corps, north of Le Tilleloy. The Division then remained in France and Flanders.
Born at Llanbadrig, Anglesey on 5 July 1897, the son of Edward and Catherine Jane Jones of 12 Longford Terrace, Holyhead. In 1901 he lived at 1 Leweryd Villas, Kingsland, Holyhead with his parents Edward (32) and Catherine Jane (27) together with his sisters, Ellen (6) and Lizzie Jane (7 months). His father was born at Llanfechell, Anglesey and was employed as a Railway Labourer. His mother originated from Rhosberw, Anglesey. In 1911 the family resided at the same place and now included an additional child, Margaret Catherine (3). He joined the LNWR as a Junior Clerk on 21 July 1913 and was originally employed at Llainfair Traffic Department and then transferred to Padeswood Station, near Buckley on 20 November 1914. He left LNWR employment to join the Army on 20 October 1915.
Just four days after the German Michael offensive on the Somme had been brought to a halt, a second offensive - Georgette - was launched to the north. At 4.15am on 9th April, an intense bombardment of high-explosive and gas shells burst over British and Portugese positions on a 10-mile (16km) front south of Armentieres. At 8.45am, upwards of 8 German divisions swept forward through thick fog and smoke. By nightfall, the line had been advanced by as much as 4½ miles (7km) where the Germans had established a bridgehead north of the River Lys at Bac St. Maur. The Artillery of 57 Division were involved in resisting the onslaught and suffered from the intense bombardment received. It is probable that Gunner Jones died during this action.
Awarded the Victory Medal and British War Medal.
Commemorated on the Ploegsteert Memorial Panel, Belgium on Panel 1. Also commemorated on the LNWR Roll of Honour. He is also listed on the Flintshire War Memorial website.
With thanks to Peter Kelsall of the Fintshire War Memorials website.