Lance Corporal Jones facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Lance Corporal Jones
Dad's Army character
First appearance	The Man and the Hour
Last appearance	Never Too Old
Portrayed by	Clive Dunn (TV series) Clive Dunn and Jack Haig (stage show) Tom Courtenay (2016 film) Kevin Eldon (Dad's Army: The Lost Episodes)
Information
Occupation	Butcher
Relatives	George Jones (father) Mildred Fox (wife) Unnamed brother Unnamed sister
Affiliated with	Home Guard

Lance Corporal Jack Jones is a much-loved character from the classic BBC TV show Dad's Army. He's a brave, but sometimes a bit confused, lance corporal in the Home Guard during World War II. He was played by the actor Clive Dunn. Jones is famous for his funny catchphrases like "Don't panic!" and "They don't like it up 'em!". He often tells stories about his exciting adventures in the army, especially from places like Sudan and India.

Meet Corporal Jones: His Story

Jack Jones was born in 1870 in a town called Walmington-on-Sea. His dad, George Jones, was a museum caretaker. Jack joined the army very young, in 1884, as a drummer boy.

Jones's Amazing Army Adventures

Jones served in many important military campaigns. He fought in the Gordon Relief Expedition in Sudan (1884–1885) and the Anglo-Egyptian Reconquest of the Sudan (1896–1899). He also took part in the Boer War (1899–1901), where he became a Lance Corporal.

He even fought in the First World War (1914–1918). He once said, "I haven't had this much fun since I was in the trenches in 1916!" Jones also mentioned fighting the Pathans on the North-West Frontier. He was part of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment and even wore their old scarlet and blue uniform to a meeting!

The "Mad Bomber" and Other Tales

During World War I, on the Western Front, Jones was known as the "Mad Bomber." This was because he liked to throw grenades with great enthusiasm! He had to leave the army in 1915 because his eyesight wasn't very good.

Jones also proudly shared that he was once part of a special guard for Queen Victoria. He sometimes got attacks of malaria, a sickness he likely caught during his time in Africa. Even though he was quite old, his parents were still alive and well!

Joining the Home Guard

When World War II began, Jones was working as the town butcher. His shop was at 19 High Street in Walmington-on-Sea. He was so eager to join the Local Defence Volunteers (which became the Home Guard) that Captain Mainwaring made him a lance corporal right away.

Some people thought Mainwaring chose Jones because he could get them extra meat during wartime! Jones's eyesight was so bad he once signed the table instead of the form when joining up.

The Battle of Omdurman and Bayonets

Jones often talked about his experiences in the Battle of Omdurman in Sudan. He fought against the "Fuzzy Wuzzies" under General Kitchener. He loved talking about bayonet fighting, saying, "They don't like it up 'em!" This phrase came from a real soldier that the show's writer, Jimmy Perry, knew.

Jones also claimed he once played cricket behind the famous Indian cricketer Ranjitsinhji.

What Makes Jones, Jones?

Jones has many unique habits. He often gives long, winding explanations when trying to make a point. In military drills, he's always one step behind everyone else. A fellow soldier once remembered him for this exact trait!

His Excitable Personality

Despite his age, Jones is very energetic and excitable. When there's danger, he often runs around shouting, "Don't panic! DON'T PANIC!" This isn't usually because he's scared, but because he's super keen to help. He's always the first to volunteer for anything, no matter how risky! If he's woken up suddenly or someone tries to take his bayonet, he might try to grab them, but he always apologizes afterward.

Jones's Van and His Honor

The platoon uses Jones's delivery van for their missions. Jones is very proud of his van and doesn't like it when it gets damaged. If Captain Mainwaring causes damage, it's one of the few times Jones gets upset with him!

In one episode, "The Two and a Half Feathers", Jones faced a challenge from an old friend, Private Clarke. Clarke accused Jones of leaving him behind during a dervish attack years ago. Jones bravely kept the real story secret to protect someone else. When he finally told the truth, his honor was restored.

Friends and Family

Jones generally gets along well with Mainwaring and Wilson. He sometimes gives them extra meat to get his way! Mainwaring admires Jones's enthusiasm and loyalty, even if his efforts are sometimes a bit clumsy. Jones always flatters Mainwaring and is very loyal to him.

However, Jones does have some rivalries, especially with Frazer and the Verger, whom he calls a troublemaker.

On his days off, Jones is often seen with Mrs Fox, a widow who is a regular customer at his butcher shop. She is his love interest, and in the final episode of the series, Jones and Mrs. Fox get married!

Jones's Military Medals

Throughout the series, Jones wears his ribbon bars, which show his past service in the British Army. These ribbons represent the medals he earned:

• Egypt Medal (1882–1889)
• Indian General Service Medal (1895–1902)
• Queen's Sudan Medal (1897)
• Queen's South African War Medal (1899–1902)
• King's South African War Medal (1901–1902)
• India General Service Medal (1909)
• 1914 Star (or 1914–15 Star)
• British War Medal
• Allied Victory Medal
• Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (with post-1918 ribbon)
• Khedive's Star (1882–1891)
• Khedive's Sudan Medal

Images for kids

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  Tom Courtenay playing Corporal Jones in the 2016 Dad's Army film.