Hugh 's Story.
Hugh Jones, the son of William and Jane Jones, 34 Jubilee Street, Northwhich was a well known Northwich swimmer. He was educated at Deane Bridge School and whilst here he was taught to swim and assisted his school to win the Northwich and District Elementary schools swimming shield. He was very proficient at the art and won a number of prizes, including a medal at Rayton (Rochdale) Gala. He was employed at the Ammonia Soda Companys works at Plumbley and a member of the territorials Reg No 1882, 5th Battalion D companyOn mobilisation, Hugh was now part of A Company and given the role of a stretcher bearer with 3 others. He was posted to France with the battalion and saw considerable fighting. He was wounded at Hill 60 and after treatment in hospital was sent home for several weeks. After 1915, the 5th became a pioneer battalion, they were expected to follow the first line troops and carry out infrastructure work, but also act as infantry when required.
His parents heard of their son’s death through a letter from his friend Lance Corporal A.S. Bostock, who wrote to his parents as follows:-
“It is with greatest regret that I have to inform you of Hughies death, by which I have lost one of my staunchest chums. He was killed on Tuesday afternoon, May 30th at 2:45 in the front fire trench by a shell, along with six more other fellows. We had a working party out and he was stretcher bearer when the Germans commenced to shell the trench. ....
“I hope you will believe me when I tell you all the company mourn his loss and are longing for the time when his death and the deaths of many more of our chums will be avenged. May God comfort you in your great sorrow.”
Hugh was killed on 30th May 1916 is buried at Hebuterne Cemetery, NE of Thiepval, he was 22 years old.