Prescot Roll of Honour

Service Details

Oliver Jones was born in Prescot in 1886, the son of Theophilius Jones. At the time of the 1891 Census, Theophilis was living at 32, Kemble Street, Prescot (the Wellington Hotel). He was a 35 year old Coal Miner and was married, although there are no family members living at the hotel.

The 25th Battalion of the regiment was only formed on 1st March 1917 in Egypt, with the Welsh Horse being amalgamated into the new unit.

On 29th November, they were ordered to take over Beit Ur el Foqa, 10 miles north west of Jerusalem. This was based on the understanding that it was in British hands, which it was not - it was occupied by Turks.

The battalion attacked just before breakfast, and the majority of the Turks quickly surrendered, some 450 prisoners being taken. However, the remaining Turks attacked and practically surrounded the British, inflicting heavy casualties.

One of these was Oliver Jones. He has no known grave and is remembered on the Jerusalem Memorial.

Private Jones's Medal Index Card. It shows that his initial service was in the Balkans (Gallipoli) where he arrived on 8th October 1915, serving as Private 1065 with the Welsh Horse before his transfer to the Royal Welsh Fusiliers.

The panel of the Jerusalem War Memorial dedicated to the men of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers who fell there and have no known grave and showing Oliver Jones at the bottom.