JONES, Albert Garfield MM (1896-1984)
Albert Garfield Jones was born at Brim, Victoria on 5 June 1896, the son of Albert William Jones and Janet nee Hart. He attended Leoplold State School before enrolling as a day studentat Geelong College on 24 July 1911. His address at the time was 'St Albans', Whittington. He left in December 1913.
In Geelong, he was attached to the 70th Infantry 'Ballarat Regiment' and was farming when he enlisted (No 3148) for war service in the AIF on 13 July 1915, with the 6th Battalion; 11th Reinforcement Group. He embarked on HMAT A71 Nestor on 11 October 1915 for Egypt, where he transferred to 58 Battalion. From Alexandria he embarked for France with the 58th.
In France, he was awarded the Military Medal, gazetted on 17 December 1917. the citation written by Lieutenant-General Sir W R Birdwood read:
'At Polygon Wood during the tour of this battalion in the line from September 23rd to September 27th, Private Jones acted as a runner in Battalion Headquarters. He did magnificent work carrying dispatches between Battalion Headquarters and forward companies and also between Battalion Headquarters and Brigade Headquarters. His work which was carried out under most hazardous conditions was simply magnificent. A great deal of the success in guiding the attacking battalions in safety to the front line was due to this man. This man has repeatedly done exceptionally good work when this battalion has been in action. By his fine work, Private Jones set a splendid example to his comrades.'
Jones returned to Australia, embarking on 11 May 1919 on HMT Zealandia.
Albert Garfield Jones died 22 Feb 1984.
Sources: Pegasus May 1914 p5; Geelong Collegians at the Great War compiled by James Affleck. p 226 (citing Pegasus; National Archives).