I came across this mention of his death, and a poem to commemorate him, both of which appeared in several newspapers towards the end of August 1902. He'd served on H.M.S. Powerful during the Boer War in South Africa, and seems to have been part of the naval brigade that helped to relieve Ladysmith, but, other than saying that he died in Holywell, the report has no more information, not even the date of death, which was may have been in July or August.
Can anyone add anything to this, please? I'm no relation to him, just saddened that he's been completely forgotten.
JOHN JONES.
[John Jones, A.B., one of the men who served the 4.7 guns of his Majesty's ship Powerful during the siege of Ladysmith, has died at Holywell. Paralysis followed the reaction of the relief, and Jones was invalided home on a small pension that was secured with difficulty.]
There's nought romantic in the name—John Jones,
It sounds prosaic, flat and tame—John Jones.
Beside your Percys, Drummonds, Lacys,
Maguires, Macdonalds, Duffs and Tracys,
It wears the plainest of all faces—John Jones.
He got to Ladysmith in time—John Jones;
Took part in that defence sublime—John Jones;
One of the "Powerful's" thunderers he
Served with dogged ability,
Helping the gallant town to free—John Jones.
He paid for glory with his life—John Jones;
Best is his portion instead of strife—John Jones;
Far in the wilds of his native Wales
There he'll sleep in one of the dales
Till the great Trump the air assails—John Jones.
There's many like him, you take my word—John Jones,
Their names perhaps are not often heard—John Jones;
They haven't the chance to man a gun,
But they toil from morn to the set of sun,
And 'tis honest sweat when the day is done—John Jones.
Deeds of daring below the ground—John Jones,
Deeds with immortal glory crowned—John Jones;
When dawns at length the last great Day
And prouder names have fallen away,
"Well done," an awful Voice will say, "John Jones!"
......Western Mail."
...........................................................IDRIS.
