CHARLES THOMAS JONES

KILLED IN ACTION

Marine Charles Thomas Jones of London Rd., Tilbury, has been killed in action. Jones was only 18, but he enlisted two years ago. His parents believe he must have given a false age to do so, otherwise he would not yet been sent on foreign service.

Jones had lived all his life in Tilbury Son of George M. Jones and Rose Jones, and at one time employed at Bata’s.’

Details from the Bata Shoe Company East Tilbury newspaper

The age of 17 on the headstone is in error

Details: from ship log:

  Deployed to intercept force of German destroyers and came under heavy air attacks for several hours

                               (Note: 33 individual attacks were counted).

                                Only one direct hit of the 88 near misses reported.

                                Sustained major damage aft that disabled steering gear.

                                Extensive flooding and fire resulted and speed was reduced to 18 knots.

                                (Note: Air cover arranged did not arrive and left the ship without

                                any protection from the expected air attacks.

Gravesite Details

Marine, Royal Marines. H.M.S. Suffolk. Age: 18