Personal Details
Joseph Jones was born in Watergate Street, (Bulls Head Public House) Whitchurch in 1884, the fourth son of Joseph and Elizabeth Jones, of 22, Watergate Street, Whitchurch.
He was the husband of Mary Emma (nee Clutton) Jones of Norbury, Cheshire.
The 1911 Census details Joseph as being a bricklayer.
Military Details
Regiment : 3rd Battalion Worcester Regiment (formerly King’s Shropshire Light Infantry No 2730)
Rank : Private
Service Number : 39540
Killed in Action; France 9th October 1916 Age 32
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
Letter in the Whitchurch Herald 21st October 1916 received by Mrs Jones regarding the death of her husband, Joseph Jones.
"Dear Madam,
As the Chaplain attached to the 3rd Worcester Regiment, it is with deepest regret and sympathy that I have give you the sad news of the death in action of your husband No 39540, Pte, J Jones, which took place on October 9th. Your husband was in the trenches when a shell burst in the entrance of his dugout, killing him instantly. He can have felt no pain, I buried him next day in a little cemetery behind the trenches. A handsome wooden cross is being erected over his grave. The Commanding Officer and his Company Officers and comrades all send you their sincerest sympathy.
With Deepest Sympathy I remain yours sincerely,"
(Rev) G M Evans C F
Whitchurch Herald 21st October 1916
If you can provide any further information on Joseph 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