Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

James, known as Jim or Jimmy was the fourth son born at Rosewater on the 30th April 1909 to Elise Ameila and John Thomas Leslie Jones. He was one of eight children who grew up in that western suburb located near Port Adelaide. His siblings included Elsie, Jack, Arthur, Roy, David, Jean, Ray and later, Betty and John when his father married a second time to Lily Elizabeth.
His father, John served in WWI as a sergeant in the 4th SA Imperial Bushman unit, number 1285. Two of Jim’s uncles also served but both been killed, so there was a strong history of service in the family.
Jim had just turned eight when his 37-year-old mother delivered twins Jean and Ray with the assistance of a midwife. However, the following day she complained of feeling unwell and died before a doctor arrived. The cause of death was officially declared to be from a blood clot (embolism).
Following schooling at Alberton, Jim became a labourer, but money and equipment were scarce. This led 29-year-old Jim to receive a heavy fine for his treatment of an aged gelding, claiming he did not have a rifle to put it out of its misery but had organised for another man to do this, but in the meantime, the horse had struggled for some days, trying to regain its footing. Jim received a fine of £5 with £2 12/ costs and advised in the future to contact the RSPCA who would automatically help injured animals.
With the outbreak of WWII, Jim’s younger brother, 22-year-old Ray Sidney Cyril Jones, a twin, enlisted on the 19th June. He was allocated the number SX5842 in the 2/43rd Battalion. 31-year-old Jim, also a labourer, was also one of the early enlistees to sign up the following month in July ’40, as did young Bill Glennon, also from Rosewater enlisted becoming SX7389 and SX8670 respectively with both being allocated to the 2/48th Battalion. Unknown to the two young men at the time, their lives were to be forever linked because of the war.
Jim made Ray his ‘supplementary next of kin’ after his father. That same month, (A younger brother Roy William Roberts also later enlisted on the 4th December 1944 when he was 21. He became SX35537 with the 2/14th Field Ambulance and served until March ’46 in the Northern Territory and Singapore in hospitals.)
Jim’s initial days were spent in the cold of the Pavilions, now part of the Royal Adelaide Showgrounds, before he and other new enlistees headed to Woodside for their preliminary training. Within two months of enlisting Jim was fined for being absent without leave for two days which proved to be an expensive exercise.
Just prior to Christmas, Jim was home on a week’s pre-embarkation leave. Soon after, he and his fellow 2/48th Battalion, boarded the Stratheden for the Middle East, on the 7th November 1940 and disembarked on the 17th December. The next stop was to Tobruk at the start of April 1941 where the dust, flies, heat, minimal water supplies and constant bombardment were quite a challenge to these fresh new enlistees. Once there, they completed a few months training in Cyrenaica. Jim was to become one of the famed Rats of Tobruk.
By July ’41 Jim was first wounded with a gunshot wound to his left arm in action at Tobruk 8/7/41 in the battle for Post S9, which, because of its strategic placement on the Salient, attracted much attention from the enemy. He was evacuated to hospital but was able to return to his battalion.
By March ’42 while in Dimra, with his brother Ray in the 2/43rd Jim applied to transfer to this sister battalion for the two siblings to serve together. On the 17 June, Jim’s family back home were celebrating Ray’s twin Jean’s wedding to Maurice Jones, SX9004. Murray had enlisted two weeks after Jim and served in the 2/10th Battalion. (He was to survive the war.)
Jim had just months to live being killed in action on the 22nd July ’42. Corporal Bill Glennon, with whom Jim had enlisted, died the same day. Conditions at the time were particularly tense as the two battalions, the 2/43rd and 2/48th attempted to capture West Point in a dawn attack. In late June, ‘42 with Rommel crossing into Egypt, the battalions were in an offensive to capture Trig 33, which was achieved on the 10th July. In doing so, over 400 Italian prisoners were taken. In his book, ‘Tobruk to Tarakan’, John G. Glenn described the ferocious encounter.
‘When the troops were well forward of the start-line they came under terrific fire from shells and mortars from the front and left and suffered heavy casualties. With the slow deliberate movement of perfectly trained soldiers both companies continued the advance in perfect formation, over ground that trembled and erupted with vicious explosions. Through this, sometimes obscured by the smoke and dust, the men moved, and, as they advanced, the fire kept place with them, leaving behind the still shapes of fallen men among the camel bush and sand.’ At some stage, Jim was fatally wounded.
Back home, the Advertiser carried the news of Jim’s death, and in the same article also that of a former soldier with whom Jim had served in the 2/48th battalion, Lieutenant Lance Heffron, SX11171. ‘Mr and Mrs J T Jones of Brown street Rosewater have been advised that their fourth son Pte. J G. E Jones has been killed in action in the Middle East. He twice was reported wounded in action. His brother Raymond George is also in the AIF in the Middle East. both served eight months in Tobruk. Pte Jones left for overseas in November 1940. His father was wounded in the South Africa war and two of his uncles were killed in the last war.’
Jim was initially buried in the El Alamein Box Cemetery. By 26th March ’45 he was re-interred in the El Alamein War Cemetery in Plot 4 Row G Grave 13. He now rests with 25-year-old Corporal A.A.A. Harding SX8454 from the 2/48th Battalion and others from the 2/13th 2/23rd, 2/32nd. His parents chose the inscription ‘His Duty Nobly Done’ for his headstone.
In the Cheltenham Cemetery where his mother was buried and father now lies, a memorial headstone was added with the inscription ‘In Loving Memory of Loving Son of J.T. and E.A. Jones. Killed Allemaine, Aged 32 Years. Duty Nobly Done.’
When Jim’s sister, twin Jean had a son, she and George named him Robert James, a tribute to Jim who died just days after their wedding.
The family continued to remember Jim each year with others remembering both Jim and Bill Glennon.
Advertiser Saturday 22 August 1942, page 10 JONES.—In loving memory of our dear brother, Jim, killed in action on July 22, Deep in our hearts a memory is kept Of one we loved and will never forget. —Ever remembered by his loving sister. Elsie, and brother-in-law Fred, and nieces. JONES—In loving memory of our dear nephew, Jim, killed in action on July 22, just a token, fond and true. To show, dear Jim, we think of you. —Ever remembered by Uncle Jim, Auntie Alice, cousins, Audrey, Dot and Jim. JONES.—In sweet remembrance of our dear nephew and cousin, Jim, killed in action on July 22. Not Just today, but every day. In silence we remember. —Inserted by Auntie Kit and Uncle Dave and cousins, JONES.—In loving memory of my dear brother, Jim, killed In action July 22, A beautiful nature, full of kindly deeds, A helping hand to all in need; A pleasant smile, a heart of gold, The dearest lad the world could hold. —Inserted by his loving brother, Jack, sister-to-law, May, and nephews. JONES.—In loving memory of my dear grandson, Jim, killed on July 22, A beautiful life came to an end. He died as he lived, everyone's friend. Inserted by his grandma, Auntie Violet, Uncle Fred and Bill (A.M.F. ) JONES.—In loving memory of my dear brother. Jim, killed in action July 22, Thoughts drift back, to bygone days, Life moves on but memory will always stay. —Inserted by his brother Arthur. JONES.—In loving memory of my dear brother Jim, killed in action on July 22, Just a memory, true and tender, To show, dear Jim, we still remember. —Inserted by his loving brother. Roy, A.M.F. JONES.—In loving memory of my dear brother Jim, killed in action on July 22, A better brother none could find. To all of us he was always kind. —Inserted by his loving brother Dave, sister-in-law Ivy, and nieces. JONES.—In loving memory of my dear brother, Jim, killed in action on July 22, One of the dearest in every way. Loved and missed more every day. Hearts that loved you never forget. In memory you are with us yet. —Inserted by hie loving sister Jean, and brother-in-law George. A.I.F. (returned). JONES.—In loving memory of my dear brother, Jim, killed in action on July 22, Far away from those who loved him Comrades have laid him to rest. In a hero's grave he is sleeping. One of God's brightest and best. —Inserted by his loving brother. Ray, A.I.F. (abroad). JONES.—In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Jim. killed In action on July 22. In our garden of memories we are always together. Yesterday, today, and forever. Always will we remember thee. —Inserted by his loving father and mum, Betty and John. JONES.—A loving tribute to the memory of our dear nephew and cousin, Pte. J. G. E. Jones (Jimmy), killed to action on July 22, 1942. Far away from those who loved him. Comrades have laid him to rest. —Ever remembered by his loving Aunt Lizzie. Uncle Will Herriman, and cousins. JONES.—In loving memory of our dear nephew and cousin, Pte. J. G. E. (Jimmy). Killed to action on July 22, 1942. In a hero's grave he is sleeping. One of God's bravest and best. —Ever remembered by his loving Aunty Phoebe and cousins. JONES.—In loving memory of our dear nephew and cousin, Pte. J. G. E. Jones (Jimmy), killed in action July 22, 1942. Deep in our hearts a memory is kept Of a dear loving face we will never forget. —Inserted by his loving Aunty Nell, Uncle Ern and cousins.
Advertiser Saturday 22 July 1944, GLENNON—JONES.— In memory of Bill and Jimmy, who made the supreme sacrifice. Egypt. July 22. 1942.—Vera and Marty. JONES, —In loving memory of Jim, killed July 22 1942. He lies in a soldier's grave, honored by Australia's brave.— Inserted by dad, mum. JONES. —In loving memory of Jim killed El Alamein. Away in El Alamein he lies with gallant brave.—lnserted by Betty, John. JONES—In loving memory of Jim. killed El Alamein. A brother true and kind, and so noble to know.—lnserted by Ray .A.I.F. Roy A.M.F.I. JONES.—In loving memory of Jim killed El Alamein.—Ever remembered by Grandma Virgin, Violet. Fred. JONES—In loving memory of dear brother Jim killed in action. July 22 1942. Always unselfish, loving and kind a beautiful memory left behind.—Remembered by loving sister Elsie, brother in-law Fred and nieces. JONES.—Loving memory our dear brother Jim, killed in action El Alamein. July 22. 1942. Beautiful memories, dearer than gold, of a brother whose worth can never be told. —Inserted by his brother Jack, sister-in-law. Fred and John JONES.—In loving memory of Pte. Jim Jones, killed at El Alamein. 1942. To know him was to love him.—Ever remembered by his loving Aunty Liz and cousins. JONES. —In loving memory of Jimmy, killed El Alamein. No matter what the years may bring, loving memories will always win —Inserted by his loving sister Jean, and brother-in-law George (A.I.F.) JONES. — In loving memory of Jim killed El Alamein. A noble life sacrificed in the service of others.—lnserted by his brother, Arthur. JONES.—In loving memory of Jim who was killed in action July 22 1942. He gave his all for others. Honored and remembered by Aunty Phoebe and cousins. JONES. —In loving memory of our brother and uncle Jim killed in action on July 22 1942. Not Just today, but every day, in silence we remember. —Ever remembered by Dave, sister-in-law Ivy. JONES.—In loving memory or dear Jim killed in action July 22. 1942.—Ever remembered by Norm, and Bin.
Advertiser Saturday 21 July 1945, JONES.—In loving memory of our dear son. Jimmy, killed July 22. at El Alamein. Resting in a soldier's grave, honored with Australia's brave.—lnserted by his dad, mum, Betty, John. JONES. —In loving memory of our dear brother and uncle Jim, killed in action on July 22. He sleeps in a soldier's grave, honored with Australia's brave.—Always remembered by his brother Dave, sister in-law Ivy and nieces. JONES.—In loving memory of dear Jim. killed in action July 22. 1942, at El Alamein. Without farewell he fell asleep, leaving memories we will always keep.— Ever remembered by Arthur, Dot and children. JONES.—In loving memory of dear Jim. killed in action El Alamein. July 22. 1942. Whatever else we fail to do. we never fail to think of you.— Always remembered by his brother Jack, May, Fred and John. JONES. —In loving memory of Jim who made the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein July 22 1942. Too far away your grave to see but not too far to think of thee.—Remembered by Auntie Phoebe and cousins Rosewater. JONES.—In loving memory of Jimmy, killed El Alamein. —Ever remembered by grandma Virgin, Violet, Fred. JONES.—In loving memory of brother Jim killed in action El Alamein July 22 1942. He wore no shining medals or signed his name V.C. he died a true Aussie to keep us free.—Always remembered by his sister Elsie, brother-in-law Fred, and nieces May and Joan. JONES.—In loving memory of dear brother Jim killed in action, El Alamein July 22, 1942. His smiling face and happy ways will linger with us all our days.—lnserted by his loving sister Jean, brother-in-law George (ex AIF. returned). JONES. —In loving memory of our brother, Jimmy, killed El Alamein. A brother true and kind, so noble to find.—lnserted by his brother Ray (AIF), Roy (AIF) JONES.—In loving memory of brother Jim killed El Alamein. July 22. 1942. Not Just today, but every day in silence we remember.—lnserted by brother Ray (A.IF), sister-in-law Kath. JONES.—In loving memory of dear Jim. killed in action at El Alamein. So young, sweet honest and true; that's how we will always remember you.—Ever remembered by his loving auntie Liz and cousins.
Advertiser Monday 22 July 1946, JONES. SX7389. Pte. Jim Jones.—In loving memory of our dear son killed in action. July 22 1942, at El Alamein. Not today, but every day we remember you — Ever remembered by his loving dad, mum Bet. and John. JONES—In loving memory of our brother Jimmy, killed at El Alamein. July 22. 1942. We have you in our memory dear, God has you In His care. —Ever remembered by his brother Ray and sister-in-law Kathleen. JONES, SX7389, Pte. Jim.—In loving memory of our dear brother, k.i.a, El Alamein, July 22 1942. Silent memories true and tender, to show we always remember.—Inserted by sister-in-law Jean brother. Roy, ex-AIF. JONES—In loving memory of our dear brother and Uncle Jim. Dearer to us than words can tell was the brother we lost and loved so well. We miss you Jim we always will, in our hearts you are with us still.—Inserted by sister. Jean, brother-in-law, George, nephew, Robert. JONES.—In loving memory of brother Jim, who was killed on July 22, 1942 Not Just today, but every day we remember.—Inserted by his loving sister Elsie, brother-in-law. Fred, and nieces May and Joan. JONES.—In loving memory of Jim killed in action. July 22. 1942. At the going down of the sun we will remember him.—Remembered always by his loving Aunty Phoebe and cousins. Rosewater. JONES. —In loving memory of Jim, killed in action at El Alamein, July 22, 1942. It does not take a special day to bring him back to mind, the days we do not think of him are very hard to find.—Always remembered by Jack, May and nephews, Fred, John.
Advertiser Tuesday 22 July 1947, JONES.—In loving memory of our son and brother Jim, killed at El Alamein July 22, 1942. Too far your grave to see but not too far to think of thee. — Inserted by his loving father, mum, Betty and John. JONES. —In loving memory of brother Jim, killed in action at El Alamein July 22, 1942. A thought today a memory forever —Always remembered by his loving sister Elsie, brother-in-law Fred, and nieces May and Joan. JONES. —In loving memory of Jim, killed in action, El Alamein, July 22, 1942. His smiling face, his loving ways Will linger with us all our days. Always remembered by Auntie Liz and cousins. JONES.—In loving memory of my dear brother Jim, killed in action on July 22. The golden gates stood open on that sad and unhappy day, with a farewell unspoken you gently passed away. Inserted by his loving brother Dave, sister-in-law Ivy, and nieces. JONES.—In loving memory of our dear brother Jim, killed in action at El Alamein, July 22, 1942. Deep in our hears a memory is kept of one we loved and will never forget. Always remembered by Jack, May, Fred, John. JONES.—In loving memory of Jimmy, who made the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein July 22, 1943. We will always remember him.—Inserted by Auntie Phoebe and cousins. JONES.—In loving memory of our brother Jimmy, died at El Alamein. Gone but not forgotten.—Inserted by sister Jean, brother-in-law George, Robert. JONES.—In loving remembrance of Jim. Lest we forget.—Inserted by E. G. Hillier and family.
Advertiser Thursday 22 July 1948, JONES.—In loving memory of brother Jim killed El Alamein, July 22. 1942. Hearts that love never forget.—Always remembered by his loving sister Elsie, Fred, May and Joan. JONES.—In loving memory of brother Jim killed in action on July 22 at El Alamein. Always remembered. inserted by his loving brother Ray and sister-in-law Kath. JONES.—In loving memory of dear Jim, killed in action at El Alamein July 22. 1942. Too far away your grave to see, but not too far to think of thee.—Always remembered by Jack, May, Fred, John. JONES.—In loving memory of Jim killed in action at El Alamein. July 22. 1942. Memories are everlasting. —Inserted by aunty Phoebe and family. JONES. —In loving memory of Jim killed in action at El Alamein July 22 1942. A hero at rest. inserted by aunty Liz and family. JONES—In loving memory of our son and brother Jimmy, killed El Alamein, July 22.—Ever remembered by his loving mum, dad, sisters, and brothers.
Advertiser Friday 22 July 1949, GLENNON-JONES.—In memory of Bill and Jimmy paid the supreme sacrifice. El Alamein. July 22, 1942. —Vera and Marty. JONES.—In loving memory of Jim, killed in action. El Alamein. July 22. 1942. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember him. —Ever remembered by dad, mum, sisters and brothers. JONES. —In loving memory of Jim, who died for his loved ones. We have you in our memory; God has you in His care. Remembered by Auntie Lizzie and family. JONES.—In proud memory of Jim, who was killed in action July 22. Too dearly loved to be forgotten. —Remembered by Auntie Phoebe and family.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes, SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.