Edward Jones was born in 1899 at Henlle (St Martin’s). He was the third child and only son of Robert and Margaret Jones with 2 elder sisters Mary and Sarah. In 1901 they were living on Chirk Road, Preeshenlle. His father worked as a farm labourer. In 1904 their mother died; she is buried at Oswestry Cemetery (grave L 25 – also buried is his father who died in 1930). By 1911 they were living at 2 Beaconsfield Terrace, Morda. At the outbreak of war Edward was employed by Mr Roberts of Buckley, but it is not known what business or trade.

Edward most likely enlisted in 1917 when he turned 18. He was posted as Private 239182 to Herefordshire Regiment stationed at Park Hall Camp, Oswestry – his obituary gives him as being in the KSLI but at St Oswald’s Church he is recorded as MGC. Some time afterwards he transferred into Machine Gun Corps. He would have gone for training at Belton Park, Grantham, a training camp for the MGC. He served in 35 Bn MGC – the battalion was formed on 2 March 1918 as 35 Division Divisional Troops and it is most likely that this was when he was posted. He died of wounds on 28 September 1918 at 105 Field Ambulance, 2 days before his 20th birthday.  The battalion was in action during the Advance in Flanders when 35 Division attacked between the Ypres – Commines Canal and Mont Sorrel. Edward was evacuated to 105 Field Ambulance near to present day Belgian Battery Cemetery and where he is buried. His headstone has the inscription ‘Man that is born of woman hath but a short time to live’. His commanding officer wrote to his father saying that Edward was ‘popular with all his comrades, a willing and helpful worker and stout hearted in the face of danger. He always did his duty and did it well’. Edward is also commemorated at St Oswald’s Church, Oswestry. He is also believed to be on Maesbury War Memorial recorded as Private JE Jones, MGC.

Acknowledgements.

References and Sources

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