I first noticed Elias’s name mentioned in the book “Soldiers Died in the Great War, Royal Welsh Fusiliers Volume 28,” which is in the Record Office at Hawarden:- This stated that Elias had been born in Connah’s Quay and subsequent research has proved that he had been born there. He was a native of Connah’s Quay and as such should be remembered. For whatever reason no-one put his name forward to be remembered on the War Memorial.
There is a Flintshire WW1 Index Card (Ffynnongroyw F10) for Elias, stating his address as 5, Davies Terrace, Ffynnongroew. Nr. Chester and his regimental details above. The Card was signed 26th September 1919 by Mrs. Jane JONES, Mother of the deceased.
In 1891 his parents John & Jane Jones had been living at Hope Cottages, Penyffordd, as John, 27, born Llanfair, Denbighshire, was a Railway Porter. His wife Jane, 27, had been born in Prestatyn, as had their 1 year old daughter Mary Ellen.
North Wales Birth indexes for the years: 1893 show an Elias Jones born (Flintshire (Mold) FLNT/35/61) so I rang the Registry Office and they kindly looked Elias’s place of birth up on the above Certificate, and he was born in Brook St., Golftyn,, so he was a Connah’s Quay boy! His father was John JONES, a Railway Porter and mother Jane EVANS.
The 1901 census see the family living at Uwchlyn Cottage, Llanasa, Ffynnon Groyw, but at some point in circa 1893 they had lived in Golftyn as his birth was registered in Flints (FLNT/35/61), I rang the Registry Office and they kindly looked Elias’s place of birth up on the above Certificate, and he was born in Brook St., Golftyn, so he WAS a Connah’s Quay boy!
Father John Jones was not on the census with Jane, 37, she was “Head” of the household. The listed children were Mary E., 11, John W., 9, Elias, 7 and Sarah, 6. On this census all had been born in Meliden, Flintshire.
On the 1911 census, Elias Jones was living at 2 St James’s Place Ffynongroew Mostyn, Flintshire. Father John, 48, was a Labourer, born in Ruthin. Jane his wife of 22 years was 47. She had given birth to 5 children but sadly one had died. Those listed were Jno. William, 19 and Elias 17 both Pony Drivers below ground at the colliery..
(Another Elias Jones was listed in 1911. he was at Ash Grove, Shotton in 1911. This household comprised of William, 38, and Margaretha, 30, Jones, who had both been born in Mostyn. Their daughters were Florence and Constance. In the household there was a cousin, Caroline Davies, 14. Two nephews were listed. Elias Jones, 20, single and an Engine Cleaner and William Jones, 17, a Labourer Platelayer, had both been both born in Mostyn. There were 2 Boarders as well).
Elias was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal and the Military Medal, with Clasp ( or Bar). I asked the Army Forum for help in explaining what it was he had done to deserve these and below, thanks to Chris and Clive, I am able to enlarge on this.
“D C M Citation “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Hearing that there were many wounded in front of the line held by his battalion, he went forward, in broad daylight and in full view of the enemy over ground which was heavily sniped, and brought in his wounded comrades back to the aid post. He set a very splendid example of devotion and total disregard of his own safety.” Seems to be for gallantry on 1/2nd August 1917, in the aftermath of the 31st July attack on Pilkem Ridge, Third Ypres”.
D C M (LG 26/1/18), M M (LG 26/3/17), M M Bar (LG 19/11/17). His medals along with his 1914-15 Trio are in the Regimental Museum at Caernarfon Castle. I have copies of the London Gazette dated 19th October 1917 and the 19th November 1917, if anyone would like me to send them, just contact the website.
The register of Soldiers’ Effects records his death on 23rd April 1918 at 129th Field Ambulance
I have the War Diaries of the 14th Bn Royal Welsh Fusiliers that concern Elias Jones – 21st August 1917, 28th September 1917 and 22nd / 23rd April 1918. Please contact via the website if you would like the details.
Elias Jones is remembered on the Ffynongroew Memorial. Follow the link to read his story there.
