Personal Details
Born in Llanfair-is-Gaer, Port Dinorwic, Caernarvonshire, Wales in 1897, the eldest son of Captain William and Mrs Margaret E Jones of 6 Velinheli Terrace, Port Dinorwic. Caernarvonshire, Wales.
Owen was working at Lloyds Bank in Whitchurch, living in Shrewsbury when he enlisted.
Military Details
Regiment : 2nd/5th Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment (previously South Wales Borderers No 46094)
Rank : Private
Service Number : 38509
Killed in action; France 24 October 1918 Aged 21
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
Report in the North Wales Chronicle and Advertiser for the Principality 15th November 1918 regarding the death of Owen Arthur Jones
“ROLL OF HONOUR. – The death on active service is reported of Private Owen Arthur Jones, son of Mrs M. E. Jones. Assheton-terr, and the late Capt. Wm. Jones, Felinheli-terrace. Private Jones was about 20 years of age and was an ‘old boy’ of the Council School and Friars School, Bangor. Before joining up he was employed at Lloyds Bank, Whitchurch.”
North Wales Chronicle 15th November 1918
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Information provided by Terry Evanson Whitchurch, Shropshire and Whitchurch Museum and Archives