Biography
George was born in 1889, the son of Julia Jones who lived at Yew Tree Cottage, Cowleigh Rd., North Malvern. Later when she came to claim his pension, she lived at Pyefinch Cottage, Link Top, Malvern. It has not been possible yet to identify George or his mother Julia on a census or in other records.
First World War
George joined the Birmingham Pals at the beginning of the war and landed in France on 21st November 1915 with the 1st Pals – the 14th Royal Warwickshire Regiment. Later n April 1916, George was fatally wounded while his battalion were occupying trenches in the Arras sector.
Arras
The battalion war diary does not name other ranks who were wounded, however on 8th April 1916 one man was wounded in trenches by rifle fire. On 10th April 1916 another man was wounded by shellfire on their way from Arras to Agnez. Later on 17th April, two men were wounded while wiring in front of their trenches by moonlight. George could have been wounded in any of these events.
The war diarist commented that this period of time in the trenches was characterised by:
“… much good work, successfully carried out though under trying conditions. Rain was general throughout the day and moonlight by night. Under these conditions wiring and patrolling became arduous and dangerous. Nevertheless five patrols went out altogether and reconnoitred enemy lines and a good quantity of wire was put up all along the front. On three days the enemy heavily shelled our trenches with trench mortars, shrapnel, aerial [torpedoes] and rifle grenades – I put it down to the Battalion Orders with reference to occupying dugouts and thinning out the line when shelled that our casualties were not very much greater.
Aubigny
George was treated for his wounds at a Field Ambulance and then evacuated through to a Casualty Clearing Station (CCS). It is very likely that given his burial at Aubigny, he was treated either at No 42 CCS or No 30 CCS. The cemetery extension in the village was used for burials from March 1916 to until September 1918.
George was reported wounded in the Birmingham Daily Post on 29th April 1916, however by this time he had sadly died of these wounds.
The grave of George Frederick Jones at Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension.
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
World War I Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923
Birmingham Daily Post 29/4/1916
War Diary 14th Royal Warwickshire Regiment (TNA WO 95/1556)
