8th Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (British Army)
Died:
30/04/1916 (Died of Wounds)
Age:
23
Summary
Francis Jones was the son of Edward and Elizabeth Jones. Francis was born in 1893. From an early age it seems he was raised by his uncle and aunt in Minterburn. He worked a farm servant. Francis Jones was living in the Dungannon area when he enlisted in September 1915. Private Frank Jones was serving with the 8th Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers when he died of wounds in France on 30th April 1916.
Further Information
Francis Jones is thought to be the son of Edward and Elizabeth Jones. Edward Jones and Elizabeth Traynor were married on 15th August 1888 in the district of Dungannon.
There’s no direct evidence to prove that Francis was part of this Edward and Elizabeth Jones family. However, the geographical evidence is strong (Minterburn area) and the 1911 census records they had nine living children (of which only eight are listed)
Francis was born in 1893, probably in England. No GRONI can be found for his birth. Even this date is disputed, as newspaper reports at the time of his death state he was 19, giving his birth around 1897.
The family lived in Cronghill, Aughnacloy, County Tyrone. No mention of Francis can be found with in either the 1901 or 1911 census as living with the family.
However, the 1901 census does list an 8 year old Francis Jones living with his aunt and uncle in Minterburn, not far from the family home. This is only Frank/Francis Jones in Tyrone.
Known family: Edward Jones, Elizabeth Jones, Elizabeth Jones (born about 1891, England), John James Jones (born about 1892, England), Francis Jones (born about 1893, England?), Joseph Jones (born 12th November 1895), Catherine Jones (born about 1897, England), Mary Rose Jones (born 18th December 1900), Edward Jones (5th September 1902), Annie Jones (born 10th October 1903), Lucy Jones (born 4th March 1906).
The 1911 census lists Frank as age 18 living at house 7 in Mullycarnon, Minterburn, Tyrone. He was working as a servant on a farm.
Francis Jones was living in the Dungannon area when he enlisted at the Moy Fair in September 1915.
Private Frank Jones was serving with the 8th Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers when he died of wounds in France on 30th April 1916.
From the Tyrone Courier dated 10 August 1916:
Intimation has been received in Dungannon of the death of Private Francis Jones, Inniskillings. The deceased soldier was 19 years of age and enlisted in September 1915. His father, Mr Edward Jones, resides at Cronghill, Aughnacloy.
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated Saturday 12th August 1916: Private Jones
Miss Lizzie Jones, Scotch Street, Dungannon, has received intimation of the death of her brother, Private Francis Jones, of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. The deceased soldier, who was 19 years of age, enlisted in September last in the Moy Fair, and was wounded during the big advance. He afterwards succumbed to his wounds. His father, Mr Edward Jones, resides at Cronghill, Aughnacloy, and his uncle, Mr Peter Jones, is proprietor of the Legane Quarries.
Private Francis Jones is buried in Chocques Military Cemetery, near Bethune in France.
Private Francis Jones is commemorated locally on Dungannon War Memorial.
