Jones G.W. - The Friends of Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park

Q: Jones G.W.

Private G.W. Jones Service number CH/20137 Regiment Royal Marine Light Infantry 4th Bn Date of birth 22nd August 1897 Date of death 23 rd April 1918 Age at death 20 years His Story George was born in Bromley-by-Bow on 22 August 1897. He enlisted just after his eighteenth birthday, on 22 August 1915. His address, as shown on both the 1911 Census and Death Certificate, is 40 Devas Street, Bromley-by-Bow, London. He was killed in action at Zeebrugge. The raid on Zeebrugge was a precursor of the commando raids of WW2. In addition to the purpose of the raid, to stop German submarines from leaving their pens and attacking merchant shipping in the English Channel, it was seen as a morale-booster for the public. There was a lot of media attention in the aftermath of the raid. An elaborate funeral for Jones and West was held, with an honour guard of Royal Marines in attendence. Photos of the funeral and an accompanying write-up appeared in the Daily Mirror on 3 May 1918.

Private G.W. Jones Service number CH/20137

Regiment Royal Marine Light Infantry 4th Bn

Date of birth 22nd August 1897

Date of death 23^rd April 1918

Age at death 20 years

His Story

George was born in Bromley-by-Bow on 22 August 1897. He enlisted just after his eighteenth birthday, on 22 August 1915. His address, as shown on both the 1911 Census and Death Certificate, is 40 Devas Street, Bromley-by-Bow, London. He was killed in action at Zeebrugge.

The raid on Zeebrugge was a precursor of the commando raids of WW2. In addition to the purpose of the raid, to stop German submarines from leaving their pens and attacking merchant shipping in the English Channel, it was seen as a morale-booster for the public. There was a lot of media attention in the aftermath of the raid. An elaborate funeral for Jones and West was held, with an honour guard of Royal Marines in attendence. Photos of the funeral and an accompanying write-up appeared in the Daily Mirror on 3 May 1918.