4709 Gunner Ernest Jones N/5 R.A.

On E-Bay at the moment:-

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/115191161556?hash=item1ad1eda2d4:g:sjoAAOSwkVRhEUmX

A GOOD SOUTH AFRICA 1877-9 TO A GUNNER, OF N/5 BATTERY ROYAL ARTILLERY WHO SERVED IN BOTH THE ZULU AND 1ST ANGLO BOER WARS

SOUTH AFRICA 1877-9, CLASP 1879 ‘4709 GUNR. E. JONES, 5TH BDE. R.A.’

Ernest Jones was born in Hackney, London in January 1861and attested for service with the Royal Artillery on 17 September 1877. Claiming to be 19 years old (he was only 16) at the time he enlisted, he was assigned no. 6318 and the rank of Gunner. On news of the disaster at Isandhlwana, Jones transferred to 5th Brigade and embarked for South Africa on 21 February 1879 as one of the replacements for the losses sustained by N Battery at the battle. Jones would spend nearly 3 years in South Africa, before returning to England on 31 January 1882. Under ‘Campaigns, Jones’s service papers note; ‘Zulu 1879, Transvaal 1880-1 Natal Field Force’

N/5 BATTERY DURING THE ZULU AND 1ST BOER WARS

Lieut. Col. Harness’s N/5 Battery Royal Artillery saw more action in South Africa during the conflicts of 1877-81. Initially taking part in the Frontier War of 1878 in support of the 24th Foot, the battery formed part of Glyn’s Column during the invasion of Zululand in January 1879. At the time of its entry into Zululand, of 130 all ranks, with six guns, 73 horses, 36 mules, and six mule-carts, with transport waggons. In the disastrous encounter with the enemy at Isandlwana, the battery lost Bt. Major Stuart Smith, 61 non-com. Officers and men, two guns, 24 horses, 30 mules, and 534 rounds of ammunition, beside the whole of the camp equipment.

The battery re-crossed the Buffalo River with the remains of the Column on the 23rd Jan., remained at Rorke’s Drift post until the 25th, and then proceeded to Helpmakaar, where it remained until the 17th April. During the second invasion of Zululand, the battery formed part of Newdigate’s 2nd Division, with the battery, minus 2 guns, taking part in the battle of Ulundi. The battery subsequently formed part of Baker Russell’s Column and took part in search for the Zulu King.

On the conclusion of the Zulu War, the battery proceeded to the Transvaal and was still present at the outbreak of the 1st Boer War. During this conflict, in which thet played a leading role, the battery was split up with 2 gun divisions taking part in the disastrous battles of Laing’s Nek and Ingogo River and a further two guns taking part in the heroic siege of Potchesfstroom.

On 21 October 1884 he extended his service to 12 years with the Colours and was eventually discharged on 18 September 1898 after completing a total of 21 years. His intended address at the time was 3 Walpole Place, Woolwich and his Character on Discharge was rated as Very Good. On 19 April 1900, Jones attested for a further One Year with the Royal Horse Artillery being finally discharged on 18 April 1901. The 1901 England census has him, along with his wife, resident at the Royal Artillery Barracks. He passed away on 11 April 1905 at the age of 44.

Condition VF. Sold with copy service papers on CD

Good evening,
I am the purchaser of the aforementioned medal, it was of great interest to me to bring the medal 'home' to Woolwich, well, North Woolwich - I'm just on the north side of the Thames .
Ernest spent most of his life in Woolwich when not overseas and died locally.
I would be interested in any comments) information on Ernest.
I have been able to find some additional information regarding his life, but any comments would be appreciated.

This medal was in my possession before I passed it on to the dealer you acquired it from. If memory serves, I sent my research with the medal but, if you send me your e-mail address, I can forward what I have stored electronically.

Regards

Rory

Good afternoon Rory,
Thank you for reply
Dealer did send on to me probably your research but I would be happy to receive again in incase there are a few missing bits ?
My email address is stevenjohnston238@gmail.com
I've enjoyed owning the medal as it's 'brought it home ' to Woolwich.
Do you know much about it's time before you aquired it ?
We have done some additional research to try to find Ernest's resting place but have drawn a blank so far
We're pretty certain that it's within the Woolwich/Bexley area and that his wife went back to Shropshire.
His first home was right next to the Oval cricket ground.

Thanks again for making contact.

Regards

Steve

File has been e-mailed Steven

Thanks Rory,
Much appreciated