Evan Jones was born in 1899 at Ruabon. In 1901 he is recorded as an ‘inmate’ of Wrexham Union Workhouse, Bersham. With him are his mother, Jane Ann Jones (nee Williams) and his brother, John David, aged 6. His father John Jones died c. 1900, possibly why his widow and sons found themselves in the workhouse. By 1911 Evan was living in Meifod, at Bronymaen Cottage, with his uncle and aunt, Robert Roberts, a blacksmith, and Margaret, and their five children; three girls and two boys. It was this aunt, Margaret Roberts (nee Jones), who applied for his medals. Evan’s father, John Jones, was the brother of Margaret.

Evan’s military career, given his age is inconsistent, is recorded as being in King’s Shropshire Light infantry Special Reserves – it is possible he had signed on as a boy soldier aged 14/16 in about 1912/13. CWGC records his age as 18 – it is possible he had lied about his age. If he was a reservist he would have been mobilised at the outbreak of war and then posted to 3 Bn KSLI pending a draft to the line battalions. He went over to France on 20 May 1915, a relatively late drafting. Although,  it is possible he had been held back until he turned 18. He was KIA on 25 May 1915, five days after arriving at the front. He was killed during the battle of Bellewaarde Ridge, Second Ypres. If we are to accept that the census birth dates are correct, then he was only 16 when he was killed. His body was lost and he is commemorated on The Menin Gate at Ypres. He is also remembered at Holy Trinity Church.

KIA same day and action Private 5588 Fred Owen, 2 Bn King’s Shropshire Light Infantry. KIA 25 May 1915, Menin Gate, Ypres (unknown)

Meifod War Memorial located on outside of St Mary’s Church. (Jeff Warnett)

Acknowledgements: Meifod War Memorial  –  Meifod WW1  

References and Sources

END