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Pte. William Jones (593 B Co. 24th. Regiment).

Directions to Memorial

Buried in a common grave in Philips Park Cemetery in Bradford, Manchester, section D-887. Only recently was the 'VC' added to the inscription. Died 15 April 1913. It is understood that the remains were moved some 30 yards closer in when road widening took place some years ago.

His grave can be found by entering by the main gate. Pass the war memorial which is on the right. 50 yards past, take the first right down a smaller track. 100 yards along this track, opposite a path on the left, his grave is 50 yards to the right in open ground. A flat stone and flower container in the ground mark the spot.

Location can be found on Google Earth at:

53° 29' 20.45" N 2° 11' 59.20" W

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Incidentally in the same graveyard, Section M, grave 1826, is the grave of George Stringer VC, won on 8 March 1916 in Mesopotamia. Died 10 November 1957.


There are plaques to the two VCs on the outside of the larger of the two churches. The churches are not in use.

Why was he awarded the Victoria Cross?

Defending the post hospital to the last, he and Robert Jones managed to remove six men to safety, the seventh being killed. He was 39 at the time of the defence.

Read his account of the battle here

Ancestral Information from Tony Jones

Further Information

Born in Bristol in 1839. He was attested at Birmingham in December 1858 aged 19 years. One of the founder members of the 2nd/24th. Served in Mauritius, Burma and India. Awarded the Long Service & Good Conduct Medal.

Discharged at Netley Hospital due to chronic rheumatism on 2nd February 1880. He was unable to find regular employment. He did some acting and also toured with Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. After discharge he resided in Birmingham, but later moved to Rutland Street, Chorlton-on-Medlock in Lancashire.

Click on the grave inscription to zoom in, or click here

In 1910, he was admitted to Bridge Street Workhouse in Manchester. He died in April 1913 and is buried in Philips Park Cemetery in Manchester.

HM Queen Victoria awarded him his VC at Windsor Castle on 13th January 1880. He pawned his VC in later years. (His VC and campaign medal are in the SWB Museum Collection).

William Jones Headstone

Further Information supplied by the South Wales Borderers Museum, Brecon.

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