Pte 27378 Arthur Henry Jones

• Age: 28
• From: Liverpool
• Regiment: The King's (Liverpool Regiment) 19th Btn
• K.I.A Wednesday 3rd January 1917
• Commemorated at: Berles-au-bois C Y Ext
  Panel Ref: P.1

Arthur Henry was born in Liverpool on 04th December 1888 the son of Thomas Disley Jones and his wife Mary Elizabeth (nee McCarthy) who married in Holy Trinity Church, Walton Breck Road on 04th January 1879. Thomas is described as being a master mariner on the marriage certificate.

Arthur Henry was baptised on 07th June 1889 at Whitefield Road Methodist Chapel.

The 1891 Census shows the family living at 51 Woodville Terrace, Everton. His father is away at sea and his mother is shown as head of household, she is 35 years of age, a housewife born in Liverpool. Arthur is 2 years of age, he has an older sister Gladys F. aged 7. Also present are his grandmother, E. McCarthy a 64 year old widow and his uncle Charles F. McCarthy a 44 year old accountant. There is also a servant declared in the household.

By 1901 the family are living at 27 Cotswold Street, again father is away at sea and his mother is head of household, she is now shown as 42. Arthur Henry is 13 and his sister Gladys Fairy is 17 and a piano teacher. 

Arthur's mother, Mary Elizabeth died in the March quarter of 1905, aged 50, when Arthur was 17.

The 1911 Census shows the family living at 12 Jubilee Drive, Liverpool. His father, Thomas, is head of the household. he is described as a widower now 71 years of age and is a retired master mariner. Arthur is now 22 and employed as a cotton clerk. His sister Gladys is 27 and is described as a music teacher.

Arthur was a member of the Brunswick Weslyan Chapel Choir.

He enlisted in Liverpool joining the 19th Battalion of The King's Liverpool Regiment as Private 27378. He had been employed as a Cotton Clerk with Messrs T Thorburn & Co. Cotton Merchants prior to enlisting.

Arthur married Margaret Cornah in September 1915 just weeks before he sailed to France in November 1915. 

He was home on leave in December 1916 returning to the front on Christmas Eve.

Arthur was killed in action on 03rd January 1917, aged 28.

He now rests at Berles au Bois Churchyard Extension. 

The village remained in British hands from the summer of 1915, when it was taken over from French troops, until the end of the War. It suffered at times from severe shelling, which caused the destruction of the original church. However, its replacement was erected 400 metres distant from the original site, leaving the churchyard seperated from the church. The village was 'adopted' after the war by the County of Wolverhampton. Berles-au-Bois Churchyard Extension was begun by French troops, whose graves are in the South corner. It was continued by the 46th North Midland and other Divisions from September 1915, until January 1917, when it was closed. There are now 144 Commonwealth burials of the 1914-18 war, 2 of which are unidentified in this site. Of these, one grave destroyed by shell fire, is represented by a special memorial. The British burials were in many instances made in groups by Brigades. There are also 44 French and 1 German burials of the 1914-1918 war and 8 German burials of the 1939-1945 war here. The Extension covers an area of 1,066 square metres and is enclosed by brick walls.

Reports in the Liverpool Echo on 23rd January 1917 state that the flag of the Cotton Exchange was flown at half mast in tribute to Arthur.

His personal belongings were sent to his wife Margaret.

2 Soldiers Effects records to widow Margaret, Pension to Margaret.

His death was reported in the Liverpool Echo on 18th January 1917

DEATHS – Killed in Action

JONES – Jan 3 Killed in Action aged 28 years, Private Arthur H Jones KLR. Dearly beloved husband of Margaret Jones and only son of Captain Jones 12 Jubilee Drive Kensington (Duty bravely done)

Probate records show the following:

JONES Arthur Henry of 12 Jubilee Drive, Liverpool, private in the 19th battalion K.L.R. died 3 January 1917 in France. Administration (with Will) Liverpool 15 March to Margaret Jones widow. Effects £226 12s 9d. 

He was remembered by his wife in the Liverpool Echo on 03rd January 1918 on the first anniversary of his death:

JONES - In ever loving remembrance of Arthur Henry (K.L.R.) beloved husband of Margaret Jones killed in action January 3 1917.

Some day, when by our Saviour's grace,

We dwell on a happier shore,

Oh, with what joy we'll meet again,

Those loved ones who have gone before.

Sadly missed by all at 8 Lorne Street.

Arthur Henry Jones is commemorated on the following Memorials:

Hall of Remembrance, Liverpool Town Hall, Panel 69 as 3rd Battalion (this should read 19th Battalion as the 19th were originally known as the 3rd City Battalion) 

Cotton Exchange Liverpool 

Christ Church, C of E, Kensington, Liverpool.

We currently have no further information on Arthur Henry Jones. If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.