Robert Henry Jones, Royal Engineers

Sapper. 149749 (WR/508464), Royal Engineers, Inland Water Transport. Died by accidental drowning, age 28, on 25 February 1918 at the Western Front.

He joined the Royal Engineers at Holyhead on 18 December 1915 and transferred to the Inland Water Transport section on 8 February 1916. He had previously been employed as a Joiner. He continued to serve in the UK until 15 January 1918 when he left for France. On the day of his death he was serving on board Barge A.198 at St Omer, France. The inquest into his drowning found that he had fallen overboard in the early morning after going on deck to wash. Attempts were made to save him but he was pronounced dead when his body was eventually recovered.

He was born at Rhoscolyn, the eldest son of Robert and Mary Ann Jones. In 1911 the family lived at Bryn Teg, Rhoscolyn and comprised - Robert Jones (57), Mary Ann Jones (51), Robert H Jones, (21), a Joiner, Annie Jones (23), O Parry Jones (16) Farm Worker, Hugh Ogwen Jones (13), James P Jones (10) and John M Jones (18) Farm Worker. His brother, Hugh Ogwen Jones, also served in the Army.

Administration of his will was granted to his father, Robert Jones, to the value of £95.8s.8d.

Awarded Victory Medal and British War Medal.

Buried in Longuenesse (St Omer) Souvenir Cemetery. Grave location IV.F.59.