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Jones, Daniel Thomas

Daniel Thomas Jones was born in 1888

The census of 1901 records him living with his family at Smithy Gate, Pen y Ball, Brynford near Holywell, Flintshire. Head of the household was John Jones. He was 60 years old and was a Leadminer and had been born in Holywell. His wife was Elizabeth. She was 49 and had been born in Bangor, Caernarvonshire. Their listed children were John 26, a Lead miner. Mary E was 18, Daniel T Jones was 13, Abel was 11, Arthur 7 and William was 5.  All the children had been born in the district of Holywell.

It has proved impossible so far to find Daniel in the 1911 census.

Daniel’s Army records have survived in the form of his Pension records and are accessible on www.ancestry.co.uk.  These records tell us that he enlisted in Wrexham in November 1915.  He did not, however begin his service until February 1917. He first served ‘at home’ from the 27th February 1917 until the 29th October 1917. He served in France from the 30th October 1917 until the 1st December 1917.  He was then sent home on the 2nd February 1917 and served in The Labour Corp until he was formerly discharged from the army on the 5th April 1918. He was considered to be not physically fit. He was discharged to the care of his named next of kin, his mother Mrs J Jones of Smithy Gate, Pen y Ball Holywell. He died there on the 25th November 1918 and was buried in Brynford Churchyard.

The medical details in his records (which formed the evidence presented at Barrington War Hospital, Shrewsbury when his discharge was being considered,  include a description of him. He was 30 years old and was 5 feet 9 inches tall. He had a ruddy complexion, blue eyes, dark brown hair. It said his former trade had been a Lead Miner (Although in another part of the records it says he had been an Ammunition Worker). The chances are that he had done both of these jobs.  The records noted that his military character had been good and his character in accordance with King’s Regulations had been good.

The disability that was detailed in respect of the invaliding included –

Chronic Nephrititis (Severe inflamation of the kidneys) and also  Hypertrophy of the heart (Thickening of the heart muscle). These conditions had been aggravated by the exposure and fatigue experienced by this soldier in the war.

He was awarded the Silver War Badge – which was issued to men who had served but were legitimately no longer serving. He was also awarded a pension of 27/6d a week.

There is a note on his medal index card, entry date, 16th January 1923, ‘Application for Medals’. The next of kin being: Mrs J Jones, Smithy Gate, Pen-y-Ball, Near Holywell. He was awarded The Victory and British War medals for his service in France.


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