2nd Lieutenant, Merfyn Harman SALUSBURY-JONES
Aged 22
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Merfyn Harman SALUSBURY-JONES was born on 19th September 1896, in Sutton Valence, Kent (Hollingbourne Q4-1896 2A:795), son of Reverend
Thomas and Martha SALUSBURY-JONES (née TIDY).
1901 census...Aged 4, he was at the Congregational Church Manse, Sutton Valence, Kent with his brothers Ivor Cynric [7] and Goronwy T [1], all born in Sutton Valence. Apparently that night in the care of domestic nurse Lizzie Harris and general servant Annie Rayner. His father Thomas SALUSBURY JONES [38] Congregational Minister born St Asaph, Flintshire was visiting John and Charlotte BADCOCK at Fir House, Wratting Road, Haverhill, with his mother Martha [37] born Paddington, London. His brother Tudor [5] born Sutton Valence was with his aunts Elizabeth and Matilda TIDY at 9 Hamilton Terrace, Marylebone. 1911 census...Aged 14, a scholar, he was at West End Manse, Haverhill with his parents; brothers Ivor Cynric, Tudor [15] and Gornwy Tidy; sister Olwen Evadne [5] (born Haverhill). His parents were still at West End House at the time of his death, later moved on to 16 Waterloo Avenue, Leiston. From his medal index card they were apparently at some time in Petworth,Sussex His elder brother Ivor was killed serving in France in the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry in 1916 see here |
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The South West Suffolk Echo of 24th August 1918 reported that:- "The Rev. and Mrs. T.S. Jones received news last weekend that their third son, 2nd Lieut. Merlyn H. Salisbury-Jones, K.C.Y.L.I. has been killed in action. During a German counter-attack he was leading his platoon into action when he fell. His eldest brother, who belonged to the same Regiment, was killed two years ago. " Educated at Perse Grammar School, Cambridge, he joined the OTC there on 29th January 1913 and was Sergeant when he left school on 4th August 1916. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, 1st December 1916, Private 47698, where, at his medical, he was 5 feet 10.25 inches tall (178.4 cm), weighed 133 lbs (60.5 kg), chest 35" to 38" (88.9 to 98.5 cm). Posted to Pembroke College, Cambridge, he joined the 2nd Officer Cadet Battalion. He volunteered for military service in November, 1915 but was rejected on medical grounds. Later in December 1916 he joined No 2 OCB, Cambridge and trained there until the following April when he gained a commission in the Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. He was commissioned in the K.O.Y.L.I (8th Battalion) on 29th May 1917 (L Gazette 29/5/1917). Merfyn was posted to the 8th Battalion King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry and posted to the Ypres Salient in June 1917. Whilst serving near Ypres on 30th September 1917 he was wounded by a shell fragment which penetrated his left elbow. After being admitted to 14 General Hospital Wimereux the following day he was evacuated to England on almost three weeks later on 19th October for hospital treatment in King Edward VII hospital. He was to recuperate there until January 1918. He returned to duty on 10th February joining the 2nd Battalion as the 8th Battalion had gone to Italy. In April he was posted to France attached to the 2nd Battalion and was involved in action against the German offensives on the Western Front. On the 8th August they were in place for the start of the Battle of Amiens. On 11th August Merfyn was leading his platoon in a frontal attack near Beaucourt when he was hit in the stomach. He was carried to the dressing station but he died half an hour afterwards at 11am. The appendix detailing the action does not mention Merfyn, but it did result in one officer killed, four wounded, 27 OR killed, 79 wounded. His personal effects, returned to his father, were:- wristwatch , whistle and cord, spectacles in case, cheque book, stamps, fountain pen, wallet with letters and photos, and 80 francs (which were submitted to the Command Accountant).
His Colonel wrote: "He was leading, setting an example of which we are all proud. All his brother officers and his men speak of his devotion to duty during the
attack and the Regiment has suffered a loss which we all feel very keenly."
photo: Rodney Gibson and in the Congregational Church, Haverhill. click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details |
