David Jones (VC) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
David Jones
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David Jones as depicted on a cigarette card
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| Born | 10 January 1892 Liverpool, Lancashire, England |
| Died | 7 October 1916 (aged 24) † Bancourt, France |
| Buried |
Bancourt British Cemetery
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Unit | The King's (Liverpool) Regiment |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
David Jones was a brave soldier who received the Victoria Cross (VC). This is the highest award for courage a soldier can get in the British and Commonwealth forces. He was born on January 10, 1892, and died on October 7, 1916. David Jones served with The King's (Liverpool) Regiment during the First World War. He earned his VC for his actions in September 1916 during the Battle of the Somme. Sadly, he was killed in action just a few days later.
Early Life and Training
David Jones was born in Liverpool, England, on January 10, 1892. He was the youngest of six children. His father, also named David Jones, worked as a porter. David went to Heyworth Street School in Everton. After school, he started training to be a mechanic at Blake's Motor Company. In 1909, when he was 17, he joined the Territorial Force. This was a volunteer army group. He served there for four years before the war began.
Serving in the First World War
When the First World War started, David Jones joined the British Army. He was sent to the 12th Battalion of The King's (Liverpool) Regiment. After training, he went to the Western Front in France in June 1915. This was a major battle line. Before he left, he married Elizabeth Doyle. They lived in Everton.
David Jones fought in the Battle of Loos in late 1915. He also served in the Ypres Salient in Belgium the next year. In August 1916, his division joined the Battle of the Somme in France. On September 3, 1916, his unit was ordered to capture the village of Guillemont. This village was strongly defended by German soldiers.
David Jones was a sergeant by this time. His group was sent to help strengthen a part of the battle line. But they got cut off from the main forces. Their commanding officer was killed. For two days, Sergeant Jones led his trapped group. They had no food or water. They fought off German attacks. Even when other soldiers arrived to help, he stayed to make sure everyone was safe. He was awarded the Victoria Cross for his amazing bravery.
The award citation said he showed "most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty." It praised his skill in leading his group. Even after his officer was killed and many men were lost, he led the rest forward. They held their position for two days and nights. He fought back three counter-attacks. His calm leadership kept his men confident and safe.
After a short rest, David Jones's division fought in the Battle of Le Transloy. On October 7, 1916, the first day of this battle, he was killed. His battalion had just entered some German trenches. He is buried at the Bancourt British Cemetery in France.
Honors and Memory
King George V presented David Jones's Victoria Cross to his widow, Elizabeth, on March 31, 1917. This ceremony took place at Buckingham Palace. For many years, his former employer, Blake's Motor Company, owned the medal. Elizabeth had given it to them.
The medal was later loaned to the King's Regimental Museum. In 2009, it was given to the Museum of Liverpool. You can see it displayed there today.
After his death, two plaques were put up at his old school, Heyworth Street School. One was later moved to Everton Catholic Primary School. Other memorials for David Jones can be found at St Nathaniel's in Liverpool and at Guillemont Church. The church memorial also remembers two other Victoria Cross heroes from the Battle of Guillemont.
