In memory of Bernard Kitchener Jones

photo_of_bernard_kitchener_jonesBernard Kitchener Jones was born in 1915. He was named after Lord Kitchener, who had been made Secretary of State for War the previous year.

He was the youngest of 12 siblings born to Jack and Mary Jones, of 25 Madoc Street, Llandudno. One of his brothers, Frederick William Jones, was killed in the First World War. His other five brothers also served with the armed forces in the Second World War. One, known as Ted yr Ogof, became a popular character in Llandudno and is comemmorated by a plaque on the promenade.

Soon after leaving school, Bernard joined the 69th Medium Regiment (Caernarvon & Denbigh Yeomanry) Royal Artillery, which was based in Llandudno. He was also a volunteer with the town’s lifeboat. As Britain prepared for war, the 69th set up headquarters in the town’s Drill Hall in June 1939 and was formally mobilized on 1 September, two days before war was declared.

The regiment moved to France in May 1940 as part of Britain’s support for the defence of France and Belgium against the Nazis. However, the enemy was already sweeping through the Low Countries and soon the soldiers of the 69th were being attacked by Luftwaffe planes. Bernard was the regiment’s first casualty. He was hit by shrapnel died and on 21 May 1940, aged 25. He is buried at Ingoyghem Military Cemetery, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium.

He left a wife and son. His son later forged a career in New York.

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