In Memory Roger Jones

 

 

It is my sad duty to have to tell members that Roger Jones has died.

 

This will be rather a personal tribute as Rog and I have known each other for just over eighty years. Our mothers got to know each other at school in London and they, again, were lifelong friends. So the two families knew each individual very well. Sharing joys and

tragedies, large and small over the years.

 

Roger, like his father, always had a funny story to tell on meeting, but never about other folk. He readily poked fun about himself and how he extracted himself from a delicate situation! This is my strongest memory of a gentle man. He loved people, not only his family, but neighbours and the folk at his church. A good gardener and I am not sure how many pastimes he enjoyed. But we often talked about painting as he ran a class, with many chuckles during their sessions, he would not allow a too serious approach over the efforts of those attending.

 

We both joined RAF 100 Group Association around the same time. I felt I was an honorary member, but Roger, having lost his elder brother flying with 214 Squadron in March 1945 could actively demonstrate that Bob Jones and many others were not forgotten with the passing of years. I’m sure we all share the same view. Roger often told me that it gave him great comfort to meet aircrew who remembered Bob. The late Peter Witts comes to mind …

 

The Jones family input to the successful conclusion of WWII was considerable by any standard. Roger’s father ran his own wireless shop, selling and repairing sets was a very important job as most of the population listened every day, with good news keeping up morale of us civilians. The loss of his brother, Bob, hit the family badly. But the jewel in the crown, so to speak, was cousin Reg. Professor R. V. Jones had a brilliant career and during the war discovered radio beams, etc. winning the admiration of Churchill. R. V‘s book ‘Most Secret War’ has to be read to appreciate the work he did.

 

Our thoughts are with Roger’s wife Helen, and his sisters Maureen and Barbara over the loss of such a kind man. In the weeks and months ahead they will, I know, have our support.

 

Ron Durand

 

 

Hello Janine

 

Thank you for passing on the sad news of the death of Roger Jones. As you mentioned he was a faithful attendee at our Reunions for many years, representing his elder brother Bob who tragically lost his life with Flt Lt Allies' 214 Squadron crew on the night of 21/22nd March 1945. It was always a pleasure to meet Roger who was obviously proud of his brother. A few years ago he brought an old case to the Reunion which contained a collection of memorabilia relating to his brother's RAF service, which he kindly allowed us to examine. Apparently, the case had been discovered in the family home having been put away many years previously. Roger was clearly delighted to have discovered these very personal items. I shall remember him with respect and affection.

 

Richard Forder

 

 

This article is from the Summer 2013 issue of Confound and Destroy