Victor Henry Jones
From Our Contribution
 | |
| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | c1893 |
| Place of Birth | Kerang, Victoria |
| Death | 22 Jul 1965, aged 72 |
| Place of Death | Gosnells, Western Australia |
| Age at Enlistment | 22 years, 8 months |
| Description |
5'8 " (1.73m) tall ; 130 lbs 58.967 kg ; fresh complexion ; blue eyes ; light brown hair |
| Occupation | Labourer |
| Religion | Church of Christ |
| Address | 'Clifford', Armadale, Western Australia |
| Next of Kin | Father , Mr William Henry Jones |
| Military Information | |
| Reg Number | 2470 |
| Date of Enlistment | 23 Feb 1916 |
| Rank | Trooper |
| Unit/Formation | 10th Light Horse Regiment, 17th Reinforcement transferred to the 1st Imperial Camel Corps Brigade. |
| Date of Embarkation | 16 May 1916 ‒ 16 Jun 1916 |
| Ship Embarked On | HMAT A52 Surada Fremantle to Port Suez |
| Date of Return | 24 Jul 1919 ‒ 19 Aug 1919 |
| Ship Returned On | SS Dongala Port Suez to Fremantle |
| Fate |
Wounded in Action 19 Apr 1917, 2nd attack on Gaza Returned to Australia |
| Monument | none at present |
| Medals |
British War Medal Victory Medal |
Pre War
Electoral Roll entries - 1915-16 farmhand at Brookton
War Service
Victor joined with his younger brother Herbert Stanley (Bert) Jones. NOK had lived in Armadale from 1912 or earlier, with boys working on farms away from home at time of enlistment. On enlistment Victor gave his address as Post Office Brookton.
Just days after entering the camp, Victor was allocated to the 16th reinforcement draft for the 10th Light Horse Regiment, but this changed to the 17th reinforcement draft for the 10th Light Horse Regiment on 1 Apr 1916. On arrival in Egypt Victor entered their Reserve Regiment. However, on 10 Aug 1916 he was transferred to the Imperial Camel Corps at Abbassia, joining No 3 Company, 1st Anzac Battalion with brother Bert.
On 11 Nov 1916 he was transferred to the 12th Company, 3rd Anzac Battalion, and on 19 Apr 1917 the 12th Company were in the front line attacking high ground near Gaza. Having had success, they came under a fierce Turkish counter attack, and it is likely Victor received a bullet wound to his left forearm while fighting of the attack. Initial treatment was provided by the 3rd Light Horse Field Ambulance the day he was wounded, and it appears that he was then admitted to the 24th Stationary Hospital in Abbassia.
On 23 Apr 1917 he was admitted to the 14th Australian General Hospital in Abbassia, and a week later on 30 Apr 1917 he was released to the ICC Details camp. On 1 Jul 1918, with the Sinai now behind them, the cameleers were reorganised, seeing Victor assigned to the 15th Light Horse Regiment along with his brother. On 30 Oct 1918 he was appointed as a Temporary Driver.
Discharged by the 5th Military District on 1 Oct 1919.
Post War
Electoral Roll entries - 1921 Bruce Rock, contractor (with brother); 1925 - 43 farmer at Mukinbudin (with brother); 1949 - 1958 Cowcher street Wagin, a 'bus proprietor'.
In 1923 he married Gertrude Payne; In 1968 Gertrude was at 11 Pegus street Thornlie, Gertrude died in Thornlie on 24 Oct 1972 aged 81.
Notes