| Birth: | May 14, 1940 | | Death: | May 28, 1982 | 
Falklands War recipient of the Victoria Cross, the United Kingdom's highest award for valor. Lieutenant-Colonel commanding 2nd Bttn., The Parachute Regiment, British Army. Native of the Putney section of London, he spent much of his early life in Kingswear, Devon. Jones was awarded his V.C. for action at Darwin Hill in the East Falklands, May 28, 1982, as part of a larger action to seize the villages of Darwin and Goose Green and a vital airfield in the vicinity. Jones' unit was attacking a well-sited and developed enemy position of eleven trenches on a strategic ridge. In order to get a good tactical reading of the battlefield, Jones led a reconnaissance party himself. From his citation: "It was clear to him that desperate measures were needed in order to overcome the enemy position and rekindle the attack, and that unless these measures were taken promptly the Battalion would sustain increasing casualties and the attack perhaps fail. Colonel Jones immediately seized a sub-machine gun, and, calling on those around him and with total disregard for his own safety, charged the nearest enemy position. This action exposed him to fire from a number of trenches. As he charged up a short slope at the enemy position he was seen to fall and roll backward downhill. He immediately picked himself up, and again charged the enemy trench, firing his sub-machine gun and seemingly oblivious to the intense fire directed at him. He was hit by fire from another trench which he outflanked, and fell dying only a few feet from the enemy he had assaulted. A short time later a company of the Battalion attacked the enemy who quickly surrendered. The devastating display of courage by Colonel Jones had completely undermined their will to fight further. This was an action of the utmost gallantry by a Commanding Officer whose dashing leadership and courage throughout the battle were an inspiration to all about him." Jones died of wounds about 40 minutes after the action. He was initially buried were he fell, but his body was later re-interred in Blue Beach War Cemetery, Port San Carlos. In addition to the V.C., he was also named an OBE (one step below knighthood). His V.C. medal, on loan from the family, is on display at the National Army Museum, London. Lt. Col. Jones and Sergeant Ian John McKay were the only V.C.s awarded for the Falklands War. (bio by: Paul F. Wilson)
Search Amazon for Herbert Jones | | | Burial:
Blue Beach War Cemetery
Port San Carlos, Falkland Islands |
Maintained by: Find A Grave
Record added: Dec 09, 2003
Find A Grave Memorial# 8170664 |
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