Harold Grange's Story.
Sergeant Harold Grange Jones, Royal Engineers, was killed in action on the night of 4 August whilst serving in France. The son of Mr and Mrs Walter Jones of Stanley Villa, Runcorn, he had originally enlisted in the King's (Liverpool Regiment) shortly after the outbreak of war before being promoted to sergeant and transferred to the Royal Engineers. He proceeded to France on 17 March 1916, and took part in the opening phase of the Somme offensive.
Letters received by his family from his officers paid tribute to his character and conduct. One described his devotion to duty, cheerful willingness, and genial spirit amongst the men, while another stated that he was regarded as one of the officer's best sergeants and had recently been recommended for a commission. During a night attack against a strongly fortified enemy position, Jones displayed his customary coolness and leadership. The objective was successfully captured, but he was killed whilst advancing beyond the enemy trenches. His body was recovered and buried by his comrades, with a clergyman officiating at the service.
Aged 27, Jones was a surveyor by trade, having served his apprenticeship under Mr James Wilding. He later worked as a draughtsman for the Mersey Power Company. An old boy of Runcorn Secondary School, he was an accomplished athlete, winning prizes in every event he entered during his first year at the school sports. He was also a keen cricketer and captained the second eleven of Runcorn Cricket Club. At the time of his death, his brother, Lionel Jones, was serving overseas with the Naval Reserves.