Private Stuart Harold Jones
Service #: 1878, 1878A
Summary
FAMILY LIFE
Stuart Harold Jones was born at New Southgate, Middlesex, England to parents Ambrose & Louisa Jones (nee Appleton). His birth was registered in the March quarter of 1888 in the registration district of Edmonton, Middlesex, England.
The 1891 England Census recorded Stuart H. Jones as a 3-year-old, living with his family at Clifton Villa, Avenue Road, Edmonton, Middlesex, England. His parents were listed as Ambrose Jones (Jeweller, aged 33, born Holloway, Middlesex) & Louisa Jones (aged 35, born Holloway, Middlesex). Stuart was the youngest of five children listed on this Census (all born New Southgate, Middlesex) – Mabel L. Jones (Scholar, aged 9), Ethel M. Jones (Scholar, aged 8), Clifford G. A. Jones (Scholar, aged 6), Hilda L. Jones (Scholar, aged 5) then Stuart. Also listed was Charlotte Panter (General Domestic Servant, aged 20).
The 1901 England Census recorded Stuart Jones as a 13-year-old, living with his family at Oakfield, Lyonsdown Rd, East Barnet, Hertfordshire, England. His parents were listed as Ambrose Jones (Jeweller, aged 44) & Louisa Jones (aged 46). Stuart was one of seven children listed on this Census – Mabel (aged 19), Ethel (aged 18), Clifford (Jeweller, aged 16), Hilda (aged 15), then Stuart, Leslie (aged 8, born New Southgate, Middlesex) & Norman (aged 6, born New Southgate, Middlesex). Also listed was Janet Blakey (Domestic Servant, aged 25).
LIFE IN ENGLAND
Stuart Harold Jones attended Barnet Grammar School, England. According to information provided by his father for the Roll of Honour – Stuart Jones had served with Herts Yeomanry in England
EMIGRATED TO AUSTRALIA 1910
Stuart Jones had come to Australia when he was 25 years old. A “Mr Stuart Jones, Jeweller, aged 22” was a passenger on Moravian which had departed from the port of London, England on 15th March, 1910 bound for Brisbane, Queensland.
APPLICATION
Stuart Harold Jones was a 27-year-old, single, farmer from Burringbar, when he enlisted in Brisbane, Queensland on 9th September, 1915. His service number was 1878 & his religion was Church of England. His next of kin was listed as his father – Mr. Ambrose Jones, Mooball, Burringbar. Stuart Jones stated on his Attestation Papers that he has been an apprentice Jeweller for 5 years with Mr A. Gibson, London
His medical showed he was 27 years 6 months old, 5ft 6 inches tall (1.7m), weighed 131 lbs (59kgs), with a fresh complexion, blue eyes & brown hair. His eyesight was good
The Examining Medical Officer stated that Stuart “can see the required distance with either eye; his heart and lungs are healthy; he has the free use of his joints; and he declares he is not subject to fits of any description. I consider him fit for active service.” On the second page of the Attestation Paper, he made the following oath in the presence of the Attesting Officer: “I, Stuart Harold Jones, swear that I will well and truly serve our Sovereign Lord the King in the Australian Imperial Force until the end of the War … SO HELP ME, GOD.”
Stuart had 2 vaccination scars on his right arm & a scar over his left eye. He was enlisted as a private into the 13th Infantry Battalion – 2th Reinforcements
BROTHERS ALSO ENLISTED
His brothers also served
· 4184 Pte Clifford George Ambrose Jones, 47th Bn, killed in action, 5 April 1918
· 1133 Gunner Leslie Trevor Jones, 6th Field Artillery Brigade, returned to Australia, 22 July 1919
LIVERPOOL TRAINING CAMP
Now training for the new recruits began. Firstly, the men received their vaccinations for smallpox, rabies & plague, then a recruit had to be inducted into military forms of discipline, command, and order. This was partially achieved through a program of basic training carried and, in a sense, was maintained for a long as a man was in the service. It involved marching and drilling with the rifle, cleaning and caring for personal equipment and being supervised and inspected in ways quite different to ordinary civilian life. For example, no boots should be allowed to get in a bad state of wear but must be sent to the bootmaker without delay for repair. Men who were found with hair long and unshaven had to have a haircut and shave
Secondly, after basic training there followed the far more serious exercise of turning a man into a fighting soldier at least partially prepared for the kind of warfare he was about to experience overseas. The topics and exercises in the syllabus of training were a world away from their former lives and included daily physical training, entrenching, wiring, firing rifle grenades, firing the Lewis light machine gun, dealing with gas attack, using hand grenades, using the bayonet, and the routines to be followed in the trenches.
This training was then put into practice during what were called ‘Field Days,’ when men would practice using the skills they had acquired in mock attacks both by day and by night. How well men had learnt to use their weapons, in cooperation with each other in training, would be tested in the harsh reality of the front line. Training would take several months
The recruits were issued with their uniform: a khaki woollen jacket, heavy cord breeches and the famous slouch hat – turned up on the left and featuring a plain khaki band, chinstrap and “rising sun” badge. A soldier’s equipment also included a dixie (mess tin), water bottle, mug, .303 Lee-Enfield rifle and bayonet.
VOYAGE OVERSEAS
Stuart embarked from Sydney, on HMAT Boonah (A36) on 22nd January, 1916 with the 1st Light Horse Brigade, 2nd Light Horse Regiment, 13th Reinforcements. The epic voyage across the ocean has been described as “the longest journey to war in the history of the world.” They thought it was the start of a new adventure- for many it was their first time so far away from home. However, after some time at sea the biggest problem turned out to be boredom. On-board, Officers organised rigorous training drills and exercise sessions for the men. They were expected to do their own washing, sweep the decks and carry out other chores
Attempts at breaking up the boredom, apart from the regular drill, varied. Shipboard activities included regular church parades and concerts. Troops engaged in lifebelt drill; a cookhouse on deck; soldiers on fatigues peeling potatoes 'spud bashing'; going to the dentist; barber, pay day; soldiers cleaning personal equipment; medical inspection. Sports and recreation included boxing, deck quoits, draughts. Also, the commanding officer's morning inspection; kit inspections; submarine drill; recreation such as the on deck 'open air' library, deck billiards, pillow fighting and card games including Nap. As well, conditions on the ships were cramped and the risk of illness was constant.
Three hearty meals a day were served; breakfast usually consisted of porridge, stew, and tea. Lunch included soup, meat, vegetables, and pudding. Meat, bread with jam and tea was served for dinner. Many of the troops experienced bouts of seasickness on the voyage. The crossing the Equator ceremony, ‘Neptune’s Journey,’ was played-out on each troopship.
TEL EL KEBIR TRAINING CAMP
When they disembarked, they were marched into the Egyptian training camp. They had already completed their basic training in Australia but over many more tough months, in the Egyptian training camp, the volunteers left their old lives farther behind.
Training at Tel el Kebir camp for Australian troops was intense, exhausting, and critical preparation for the Western Front. The camp, located in Egypt between Cairo and Ismailia, was a sprawling military training area established during the First World War to accommodate and prepare Australian and other British Empire forces. The camp was in a dry, arid area with scorching days and cold nights. Sandstorms were common, and living conditions were spartan. Troops lived in canvas tents, often in overcrowded and dusty conditions. Poor hygiene and primitive latrines led to outbreaks of dysentery, cholera, and skin diseases. Flies were a persistent menace.
Training was designed to transform the fresh troops into efficient soldiers ready for trench warfare in Europe. They were marched in formation, learning military discipline, and strict adherence to orders on long route marches under the hot sun to build endurance.
There was intensive rifle and bayonet practice & live-fire exercises and musketry drills to improve marksmanship. They dug mock trenches in the desert to simulate Western Front conditions, trained in grenade throwing, bombing, and trench raids & learnt how to use periscopes, gas masks, and trench tools.
They went on patrols, scouting, entrenching, camouflage, and night manoeuvres & had instruction in communications, including signals and use of messengers. Daily PT (physical training) routines were held to harden the men. Boxing matches and sports were also encouraged to build stamina and morale.
Soldiers often complained of boredom, overwork, or inefficiency in the camp's administration. Diaries and letters mention intense heat, flies, and poor food, but also a sense of camaraderie. Some units referred to Tel el Kebir as “Hell el Kebir.”
Training at Tel el Kebir was physically demanding, dusty, and essential. It was a crucial phase in preparing the AIF for the brutal trench warfare of the Western Front, instilling discipline, fitness, and combat skills necessary for survival in France and Belgium.
TAKEN ON STRENGTH MARCH 1916
POSTING CHANGES APRIL 1916
Stuart was taken on strength of 1st Light Horse Reserve Regiment at Heliopolis on 6th March, 1916 and was transferred to 4th Divisional Artillery at Serapeum on 16th April, 1916.
FINAL POSTING 11TH FIELD ARTILLERY BRIGADE MAY 1916 AS DRIVER
He was taken on strength of 11th F.A.B. (Field Artillery Brigade), mustered as Gunner & posted to 43rd Battery. Stuart was mustered as Driver while posted with 11th F.A.B. at Egypt on 23rd May, 1916 to complete establishment. 11th Field Artillery Brigade
WESTERN FRONT DEPLOYMENT & TRENCH WARFARE
Stuart departed Alexandria on 1 June 1916 aboard Haverford & arrived in Marseilles, France, on 10 June 1916. He now found himself working with the soldiers fighting the Germans in trench warfare. On the Western Front in 1914–1918, both sides constructed elaborate trench, underground, and dugout systems opposing each other along a front, protected from assault by barbed wire. The area between opposing trench lines (known as "no man's land") was fully exposed to artillery fire from both sides. Attacks, even if successful, often sustained severe casualties. Trench warfare created a living environment for the men which was harsh, stagnant, and extremely dangerous. Not only were trenches constantly under threat of attack from shells or other weapons, but there were also many health risks that developed into large-scale problems for medical personnel. Apart from the inescapable cold during the winters in France & Belgium, trenches were often completely waterlogged and muddy, and crawling with lice and rats
The time soldiers spent in the trenches varied depending on factors like their army's rotation system and the intensity of the conflict in their sector. On average:
· Front-line trenches: Soldiers typically remained here for about 4–6 days at a time. This was where the fighting was most intense and the conditions were the harshest.
· Support and reserve trenches: After time on the front line, soldiers were rotated to these positions for around 6–12 days. These trenches were set further back and offered slightly better conditions.
· Rest periods: Soldiers were then moved away from the trench system entirely for rest, training, and recovery, often lasting several weeks, depending on operational needs.
The rotation system helped prevent complete physical and mental exhaustion, but the constant dangers of trench life meant there was rarely any true respite.
LEAVE JULY TO AUGUST 1917
Stuart was on leave from France from 30th July, 1917 to 9th August, 1917.
Stuart served on the Western Front, participating in several key battles.
POLYGON WOOD (26 SEPTEMBER 1917)
The 11th supported the Australian 4th and 5th Divisions during the advance through dense woods and fortified German positions. They provided creeping barrages to protect infantry and targeted enemy strongpoints to disrupt defences
REMUSTERED AS GUNNER NOVEMBER 1917
Stuart was remustered to Gunner at own request on 16th November, 1917 while posted in France. He was allotted the letter “A” after his Regimental/Service number – 1878A on 17th November, 1917.
As a gunner, Stuart worked in gun crews — usually 6 to 10 men per gun, each with a set role (loader, layer, firer, range-finder, etc.). Gunners helped operate the main artillery weapons, such as 18-pounder field guns (the backbone of the field artillery) & 4.5-inch howitzers. This included aiming, loading, firing, and adjusting fire as needed. Gunners were exposed to counter-battery fire (enemy shells trying to knock out artillery) & lived and worked in muddy, dangerous, and noisy environments
EARLY APRIL 1918 – GERMAN SPRING OFFENSIVE (OPERATION MICHAEL)
The German Army launched a major offensive on the Western Front in March 1918, aiming to break through before American troops arrived in force. The front was shifting rapidly — the Australians were rushed to plug gaps around Amiens, particularly Dernancourt and Villers-Bretonneux, east of Amiens.
SUPPORTING THE BATTLE OF DERNANCOURT (4–5 APRIL 1918)
On 4–5 April, the 4th Division (to which 11th FAB was attached) was engaged in heavy fighting near Dernancourt, just south of the River Ancre. The Germans launched a major assault against the Australian line.
The 43rd Battery would have been:
· Positioned just behind the infantry, in constant action.
· Firing defensive barrages to break up German attacks.
· Under counter-battery fire, as the Germans often shelled Allied guns to silence them.
Many gunners were wounded by air bursts, high-explosive rounds, or shrapnel in counter-battery fire or sudden barrages.
WAR DIARY – 11TH FIELD ARTILLERY BRIGADE MILLENCOURT -5TH APRIL, 1918
Very misty morning, during afternoon observation was fair. At 4 am Batteries stood to and at 5am 1 Gun per Battery searched & swept back 500 yds from S.O.S. Line at 5.50 am 1 Section was put on to this. Batteries stood down at 6.20 am. At 6.55 am enemy put down an intensely heavily barrage along E 5 & on front line supports Casualties – 2 Officers killed; 2 Officers wounded & evacuated; 2 Officers wounded & remained on duty. 12 O.R. killed; 32 other ranks wounded & evacuated; 4 other ranks wounded & remained on duty. 2 horses killed & 4 wounded
WOUNDED IN ACTION
One of the casualties of this action was Stuart who was wounded in action on 5th April 1918
HOSPITALISATION SHRAPNEL WOUNDS TO LEFT ARM
He was admitted to 13th Australian Field Ambulance on 5th April, 1918 with Shrapnel wound/s to Left Arm then transferred & admitted to 6th Stationary Hospital on 6th April, 1918. He was transferred & admitted to 18th USA General Hospital at Camiers, France on 6th April, 1918.
EVACUATED TO ENGLAND APRIL 1918
He embarked for England on 10th April, 1918 on Hospital Ship Ville de Liege with G.S.W. (Gunshot wound/s) to Left Arm.
Gunner Stuart Harold Jones was admitted to 1st Birmingham War Hospital, Rednal, Birmingham, England on 10th April, 1918 with shrapnel wounds to Left Arm.
HOSPITAL ADMISSION FORM
The Hospital Admissions form recorded “On arrival arm was somewhat swollen. This swelling increased & showed the appearance of cellulitis in neighbourhood of wound. It was incised & there was slight diminution in size. PT developed hectic temperature & much pain. During the night of 13.4.18 the surface showed appearance of commencing gangrene. Arm was amputated at shoulder joint. PT died 1 ½ hours afterwards.” [Note: PT = Patient]
DIED OF WOUNDS 14TH APRIL 1918
Stuart died at 1.45 pm on 14th April, 1918 at 1st Birmingham War Hospital, Rednal, Birmingham, England from wounds received in action - G.S.W. (Gunshot wound/s) to Left Arm (Amputated) & Gas Gangrene. A death for Stuart H. Jones, aged 30, was registered in the June quarter, 1918 in the district of Kings Norton, Worcestershire, England.
BURIAL
Gunner Stuart Harold Jones was buried at 12.30 pm on 18th April, 1918 in Lodge Hill Cemetery, Birmingham, West Midlands, England – Grave Number 290 B10.
FROM THE BURIAL REPORT OF GUNNER STUART HAROLD JONES
Coffin was good, Elm with brass furnishings. The Funeral consisting of hearse and mourning coaches left the Hospital Grounds accompanied by the staff of 20 from the Hospital. The coffin was draped with the Union Jack. Close to the Cemetery the coffin was transferred to a Gun Carriage supplied by the A.S.C. Six Pallbearers accompanied the carriage to the Chapel in the Cemetery where a short service was held by the Rev. F. Tibbittes, M.A. the coffin was then carried by the Pallbearers to the graveside, and there the “Last Post” was sounded. A representative of these Headquarters attended the funeral.
NAMES OF RELATIVES AND FRIENDS PRESENT AT FUNERAL
Mother – Mrs. A. Jones, Newstead, Nether Street, Church End, Finchley, London.
Friend, Mr. Davidge, Northfield, Birmingham.
WILL DATED JULY 1917
Gunner Stuart Harold Jones requested in his Will dated 18th July, 1917 he bequeathed to “Mrs. Ambrose Jones, one hundred pounds & all other money to Mr. Ambrose Jones, Burringbar, Tweed River, NSW.”
For his service Stuart was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, and the Victory Medal and his name is recorded on the Burringbar War Memorial
His name is recorded on the Roll of Honour in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial Number 17 among almost 62,000 Australians who died while serving in the First World War.
Gunner Stuart Harold Jones was entitled to British War Medal & the Victory Medal.
His name is now remembered on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Screen Wall B10. 290 as he does not have a headstone.
A Memorial Scroll & Memorial Plaque were also sent to Gunner Jones’ father – Mr A. Jones, as the closest next-of-kin. (Scroll sent November, 1921 & Plaque sent October, 1922).
If you have any additional information about this individual, we invite you to email us at rsl@msmc.org.au.
Memorial Location
Burringbar War Memorial
Buried Location
Lodge Hill Cemetery, Birmingham, West Midlands, England Grave Number 290 B10
