Mervyn Jones
The Second World War was almost seven months old as the runners for the 1940 Grand National made their way to the start.
The Second World War was almost seven months old as the runners for the 1940 Grand National made their way to the start.
Flight Sergeant Mervyn Jones, the nephew of Ivor Anthony, was riding Bogskar. His brother, Hywel, was aboard National Night. Hywel's mount fell at the nineteenth and the jockey rushed back to watch the finish.
Flight Sergeant Mervyn Jones, the nephew of Ivor Anthony, was riding Bogskar. His brother, Hywel, was aboard National Night. Hywel's mount fell at the nineteenth and the jockey rushed back to watch the finish.
The riderless National Night was first past the post, but Mervyn and Bogskar finished four lengths clear of MacMoffat, to land the £4,225 prize.
The riderless National Night was first past the post, but Mervyn and Bogskar finished four lengths clear of MacMoffat, to land the £4,225 prize.
Mervyn Anthony Jones was born at Llwynwhilwg Farm, Llanelly, on May 12, 1919, the son of a farmer and a nephew of Ivor Anthony. He was standing in for the injured Eric Foley when picking up the lucky ‘spare’ ride on Bogskar. He had already ridden Bogskar to victory in Gatwick’s Grand National Trial Chase a few weeks earlier.
Mervyn Anthony Jones was born at Llwynwhilwg Farm, Llanelly, on May 12, 1919, the son of a farmer and a nephew of Ivor Anthony. He was standing in for the injured Eric Foley when picking up the lucky ‘spare’ ride on Bogskar. He had already ridden Bogskar to victory in Gatwick’s Grand National Trial Chase a few weeks earlier.
Mervyn joined the R.A.F. on the outbreak of war and became a pilot-sergeant. In April, 1942, he was reported missing, failing to return from flying a spitfire over Norway, on a sortie while serving with Bomber Command.
Mervyn joined the R.A.F. on the outbreak of war and became a pilot-sergeant. In April, 1942, he was reported missing, failing to return from flying a spitfire over Norway, on a sortie while serving with Bomber Command.
Hywel Jones was killed when his plane was shot down over Europe.
Hywel Jones was killed when his plane was shot down over Europe.
Bogskar was named after a small group of Baltic Sea islets off the southernmost tip of Finland.
Bogskar was named after a small group of Baltic Sea islets off the southernmost tip of Finland.