George Frederick's Story.
George was born in Whitchurch in 1893, the fourth son of Samuel Jones, a foundry labourer, and his wife Kate, (nee Maddox) of 2 Smithy Cottages, Broughall. George had four brothers, Samuel, Ernest Henry, Joseph and Charles Hebert, and two sisters, Cathleen May and Edith Emily.
The 1911 Census records Frederick employed as a footman in Oxen, Nr. Shrewsbury. When his employer died in February 1914 he was forced to find a new position and he moved to Christleton Hall Nr. Chester, to work as a footman for Mrs Pitcairn Campbell. He enlisted at Christleton in December 1915. He was a of a very quiet disposition and was very popular in the village where he had many friends. His commanding officer sent a letter to his mum, Mrs jones of Sunday Cottage, Broughall, Whitchurch, which read as follows.
"It is with deepest regrets I write this letter to inform you of the death of your son, 3192, Pte George Frederick Jones. He died from wounds received from a shell which burst just beside him. It occurred about 8am, July1st, when there was a big action in progress. Your son was working with a small party bridging a trench under exceedingly heavy shell fire. He was very badly wounded and owing to the very heavy fire could not be moved till night, when he was brought back in, but died on the way back. One man in the platoon, Pte Holmes, remained with your son all day, which was exceedingly brave act. It is needless for me to say that the loss of your son is felt by all ranks, especially by his own platoon, N 5. He was a splendid soldier and did his duty until the last".
Researched by Terry Evanson