Dedicated to the memory of all the men and women of the South Staffordshire area who died during the two World Wars.
William Oliver Jones was born in Llandudno in 1884. He was the son of Edward Jones, a Wesleyan Minister, and his wife Mary Ellen. The family moved frequently around the North Wales area, living at times in Anglesey, Flintshire and Caernarvonshire.
William went to work as a draper's assistant. In 1901 he was living 'over the shop' in the High Street, Ynyscynhaiarn, Portmadoc. By 1911 he had married and was living with his wife, Margaret and two infant children at Colwyn Bay, still working for a draper.
William joined the Army in about July, 1916. He served with the 7th Battalion of the Suffolk Regiment. He was killed in action on 9th August 1917 during the Arras Offensive. According to the battalion war diary, the 7th Suffolk was in the trenches near Arras. After a thirteen-hour bombardment by the British artillery, parties were sent out to destroy enemy machine guns, take prisoners and gather intelligence. William is commemorated on the Arras Memorial
Private William Oliver Jones, 40657, was awarded the Victory and British War Medals. His connection to Coven is not yet known.
This memorial has mostly been compiled from official sources. It would be good to be able to expand it with more personal material - memories, stories, photos, etc. If you have any suitable material or any corrections please contact Greg.