Edward Henry first appeared on a census in 1901. He was living at 1, Gorphwysfa, Valley Crossing, Llanynghenedl, Valley, Anglesey. Father, Edward 33 was a ‘Signal man’ who had been born in Henllan Denbighshire. His wife Esther 35 had been born at Denbigh The children were listed as Robert 12, Sarah A. 10 Hannah age 8 Gaynor 6, William O 4 and Edward H. was 1.
The 1911 census finds Edward Henry, 11 a scholar living or staying with his Grandmother, Sarah Jones 77, a Widow described as an ‘Old Age Pensioner’. They were both bilingual. Sarah had signed the form with an X. His own family was living at 7 Bank Road Connah’s Quay. Edward 43 was a General Labourer and his wife of 23 years, Esther was 45. She had given birth to 10 children but 1 had died. The children listed were Gaynor 16, William Oliver 15, Ellen Buddig, Mary Esther 7, Jane Catherine 5 and Myfanwy 10 months.
UK soldiers who Died in The Great War 1914 -19 accessible on www.ancestry.co.uk confirms the regimental details above but adds that he was formerly in the Royal Welsh Fusiliers with the number 3076. it also tells us that he enlisted in Shotton and that he was ‘Killed in Action’ in France and Flanders.
There are Attestation Papers for the Territorial Force on Ancestry.co.uk, for 3076 E.H. Jones, in the 2nd Line/5th Bn. R.W.F., which I have downloaded, 30 in all, if anyone wants them, please get in touch with the website.
It appears that he enlisted on the 15th March 1915 and on the 1st of June 1915, there was a “Application for Discharge of a Recruit as not likely to become an Efficient Soldier.” This was signed by Lt. Col. Charles Hurlbutt, whose story as being the recruiter for Flintshire is on the web site, please click on the link to read his story. Edward Henry was only 5 feet 3 inches and 32 inches chest measurement, perhaps it was his height, however it looks as though that never took place, as he is posted at Home from the 15th March 1915 to the 30th March 1918 when he was posted to France from the 31st March 1918. On the 1st of April 1918, he embarked ship at Southampton and disembarked on the same day at Boulogne and transferred to the K.R.R.C., possibly at Estaples and then to the 1/15th London Regt., and given a new number – 548023. On the 2nd April, he was posted to his unit. Then, I think, in the Field, he was transferred again to the East Surrey Regiment and then again to the 1/23rd Bn London Regiment on the 24th April 1918. Again he was allotted a new number – 718349. On the 25th April he joined his unit. The next entry states Edward Henry was recorded as “Wounded in Action,” then “Wounded and Missing on the 22nd August 1918, then, on the 8th September 1918 he was recorded as “Killed in Action or Died of Wounds on or shortly after the 22nd August 1918.”
On these, there is a little story of Edward Henry’s mother getting notification about returning his possessions, in particular a “Sacred Heart,” so she wrote back to say that Edward was not Catholic and she would appreciate the return of his possessions. They were duly returned to her, she acknowledged receipt of “Watch, wallet and photo’s, of my son’s, which will be gratefully received.” Esther remarked, almost a year later.
Edward Henry Jones in the UK, Army Registers of Soldiers’ Effects, 1901-1929 tells us that he died of Wounds on or after the 22nd August 1918 and the sole Legatee was his mother Esther who was paid £10. 3s 1d on the 21st December 1918, the there was a recharge where I believe 14/8d this had R.P London by the side on the 30th December 1918 and also Esther was paid, as his sole Legatee £ 1. 10s 3d on the 1st April 1919. She also was paid his War Gratuity of £16 on the 8th December 1919. War Gratuities were on average £3 to £5, so the £16 was for his longer time in the Army.
There is an index card for Edward Henry Jones in The Flintshire Roll of Honour at the County Record Office in Hawarden. (Flintshire WW1 Cards F34) It confirms the regimental details above and gives the address 7, Bank Road, Connah’s Quay. The card tells us he served from the 13th May 1915. It also records that he went ‘Missing’ on the 22nd August 1918 in France. The card was signed on the 18th September 1919 by Fitzptrick . On the reverse of the card it says ‘Fought in France on the March Retirement. Private’.
Edward Henry Jones is commemorated on a family grave in Connah’s Quay Cemetery. The inscription says,
In Remembrance of Edward Beloved Husband of Esther Jones Died Nov 18 1932 age 64.
Also Sarah Annie beloved Daughter died June 17 1909 aged 18.
Also Edward Henry beloved son killed in France Aug 22nd 1918 aged 18.
Also the above Esther beloved wife died May 23rd 1950 aged 86. “Reunited”.
(Monumental Inscriptions, Connah’s Quay Cemetery. Volume 1 – Page 45 JR6 – 70)
Note his age on the grave. It says he was just 18. He had served for nearly three years. Can it be that he enlisted when he was not much more than 15?
JONES, Edward Henry is named on the Memorial Plaque in St.Mark’s Church, Connah’s Quay. He may also be remembered on the Hawarden War Memorial, but if you click on the link, there is an explanation.
Post script from Mavis Williams who had noticed that the Commonwealth War Grave Commission had a different Regimental number recorded this soldier. She wrote to the CWGC and here is what they had to say:-
Thank you for your email of 15th April 2011.
I would explain that when our records were scanned to form our database some errors did unfortunately occur because of the age and variable quality of the material and print. Naturally, we are keen to ensure that all such errors are corrected, however small, and I am grateful to you for drawing this to our attention. I have amended Private E H Jones’ record. Please note that the this amendment will appear on our website within 24 hours and thank you again for bringing this matter to our attention.
Yours sincerely,
A Francis (Mrs), Enquiries Section
