George Jones

George Frederick Jones

Personal Details

George Frederick Jones was born on Catteralls Lane, Whitchurch in 1894. George was the fourth son of Samuel and Kate Jones of 2 Smithy Cottages, Broughall, Whitchurch.

Military Details

Regiment : 1/5th (Territorial) Battalion Cheshire Regiment (Earl of Chester’s Battalion)
Rank : Private
Service Number : 3192

Died of Wounds; France 1st July 1916 Age 21

Medals and Awards
George was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Allied Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals


Great War History Hub Whitchurch Shropshire Medals Front Image

The British War Medal (also known as 'Squeak') was a silver or bronze medal awarded to officers and men of the British and Imperial Forces who either entered a theatre of war or entered service overseas between 5th August 1914 and 11th November 1918 inclusive. This was later extended to services in Russia, Siberia and some other areas in 1919 and 1920. Approximately 6.5 million British War Medals were issued. Approximately 6.4 million of these were the silver versions of this medal. Around 110,000 of a bronze version were issued mainly to Chinese, Maltese and Indian Labour Corps. The front (obv or obverse) of the medal depicts the head of George V. The recipient's service number, rank, name and unit was impressed on the rim.

The Allied Victory Medal (also known as 'Wilfred') was issued by each of the allies. It was decided that each of the allies should each issue their own bronze victory medal with a similar design, similar equivalent wording and identical ribbon. The British medal was designed by W. McMillan. The front depicts a winged classical figure representing victory. Approximately 5.7 million victory medals were issued. Interestingly, eligibility for this medal was more restrictive and not everyone who received the British War Medal ('Squeak') also received the Victory Medal ('Wilfred'). However, in general, all recipients of 'Wilfred' also received 'Squeak' and all recipients of The 1914 Star or The 1914/1915 Star (also known as 'Pip') also received both 'Squeak' and 'Wilfred'. The recipient's service number, rank, name and unit was impressed on the rim.



Further Information

Whitchurch Herald 15th July 1916


Report in the Whitchurch Herald 15th July 1916 on the death of George Frederick Jones

Letter received by Mr & Mrs Jones;

"It’s with deepest regret that I write this letter to inform you of the death of your son, Private Jones, who died from wounds received from a shell which burst just behind him. It occurred at about 8am on July 1st, when there was a big action in progress; your son was working with a small party bridging a trench under exceedingly heavy shell fire. He was badly wounded, and owing to the heavy fire could not be moved until night, when he was brought in, but died on the way back. One man in the platoon, Private Holmes remained with your son all day, which was an exceedingly brave act. It is needless to say that the loss of your son is felt by all of ranks, especially his own platoon. He was a splendid soldier and did his duty till the last."

Anon Officer

Whitchurch Herald 15th July 1916



If you can provide any further information on George Frederick Jones please get in touch by leaving a comment below, using our Contact Form or by calling in to Whitchurch Heritage Centre.


Information provided by Terry Evanson Whitchurch, Shropshire and Whitchurch Museum and Archives


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