Historical information
Pte Evan Edward Jones (No 276) and his younger brother Pte Edward Jones (No 1731) were both members of the 29 Infantry Battalion during World War 1. They enlisted in 1915 in Kyneton where they grew up. Edward enlisted after approval was given by his mother as he was not quite 21. He did not survive the war as he was killed by a sniper in France in 1916. It was Private Edward Jones’ love of adventure that cost him his life. In the trenches in France on 16 August 1916, beside his brother, Private Evan Edward, he raised his head and was caught by a German sniper. The brothers were side by side, and it was suggested to their sergeant that he should take a short rest; they had been 36 hours without sleep. The sergeant said “Oh no, I won’t leave you fellows.” Private Jones said “If I got a chance of a shut eye I’d take it.” He raised his head over the parapet and a German sniper caught him in the forehead, and shut his eyes forever. With difficulty his brother was restrained from rushing over the top for revenge.
Evan survived the war, serving in France and Belgium. Some of his letters, together with other memorabilia, have been donated to the RSL by family members. One letter to his wife describes how a bullet hit a cartridge in his pouch but missed his body. Cartridges, the bullet and the piece of shrapnel are also included with the donated items.
Part of one of Evan’s letters to his wife is re-printed here.
“This bullet is the nearest thing as ever … since I have been in France. I wondered what struck me when it hit me, or rather hit the cartridge that was in my pouch. If it had been an inch or two higher it would have come through my body…the wish bone is from the fowl we had for supper last night, one of the boys bowled the fowl over with a stone so we got to work and cleaned and cooked it and it was just the thing. I got the wishbone so I thought it would be a good souvenir to send home…don’t forget to wish something nice with the wishbone.”
Both boys had a strong sense of adventure and it was only natural that they fought and died for King and country.
Original letters, photographs and documents have been copied for preservation.
*Items donated by John and Phyllis Adams will form part of the World War One commemorative display at the Sub-Branch for Anzac Day 2015.
Significance
The Jones boys grew up in the Kyneton area and enlisted in the AIF in Kyneton in 1915
Physical description
World War I cartridge damaged by another bullet.
Inscriptions & markings
K15 VII on base of cartridge casing
