Biographical Details:
William Patrick Jones was one of nine children (two boys and seven girls) born to George Waterford and Merrey Elizabeth Jones in Perth Western Australia.
William was one of the originals of the 28th Battalions. He was originally attached to the No. 8 Depot Company when he enlisted in February 1915 and then transferred to the 28th when it was formed in April. Those who enlisted early had the benefit of training at Blackboy Hill, on broad the troop ship Ascanius and in Egypt.
In September, just before landing at Gallipoli, William was promoted to Corporal and then, in December, Sergeant. This was the rank he held when he took part in the June Trench Raid, as a member of the Covering Party. He was Lieutenant Phillipps’ senior Non Commissioned Officer. In October he was appointed Company Sergeant Major.
At Montauban in November 1916, William received gunshot wounds to his side and back and, although evacuated to a Casualty Clearing Station, two days later he succumbed to those wounds. He was buried at St Sever Cemetery, Rouen. What effects William carried were forwarded to his father.
William never completed a will and in 1917 his father was granted a Letter of Administration for his £297 estate.
Because William’s parents and his only brother died before the end of the war, his service medals, Memorial Scroll and Plaque were presented to his sister Kathleen Bonser.
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