JONES, Francis Joseph Roy

Francis Joseph Roy Jones enlisted on 8 November, 1917. He was reasonably old for a new recruit, 40 years and 3 months. He was, by occupation, an Assistant Surveyor, 5' 8" tall and Roman Catholic by religion. Who his parents were is not known; he gave as his next of kin a friend, Mrs. Maggie Scheicowski, living at 159 George St., East Melbourne. 

Frank Jones was placed in D company, 8th Division, and went for military training on 8 November, 1915, finishing on 10 January, 1916. He was placed as a Gunner with the 9th Field Artillery Battalion. They embarked from Sydney on 11 May, 1916, disembarking at Devonport on 10 July, 1916. From England, Frank Jones was sent for further training  with the 3rd Divisional Ammunition Sub-Park on 25 October, then taken on strength with the Divsional Ammunition Sub-Park. From training, he went  to France and was placed as a Driver for the 9th Field Artillery Battalion, 38th Battery, in the period from 24 July, 1916, to 1 October, 1916. This would have entailed guiding wagon teams of six horses in order to place guns in position for the battle. He would probably have been at both the battle of Fromelles and at Pozieres, then Messines and  Bullecourt. Jones then returned as Gunner with the 3rd Division Artillery Column from 2 October, 1916 to 25 October, 1916. On 27 October, he was serving with the 3rd D.A.C. (Division Ammunition Column) in France, and was then moved to the 3rd Ammunition Sub-Park. ? 

He must have gone on furlough in early November. The next entry in his record has him returning to France  on 25 November, 1916. He stayed with the 3rd Division during 1917, and was given furlough again on 15 November, 1917. While on leave, he was admitted to hospital at Southall and on 15 January, 1918, was assessed as suffering from Bronchitis and Senility. on 31 December, 1917, he was declared 'Permanently Unfit for General Service. Unfit for Home Service.'

 According to an entry in his record

 He was in France 13 months, ill at the front, Trench feet all last winter. Had shell shock 4 months ago. Eyes have been failing the last two months - away form the line on furlough. He returned safely with rheumatism whilst on furlough. He reported sick and was sent to Southall Hospital.

A second report, from Medical Officers Captain W. Jamieson and Major W. Brooke siad much the same thing

At present, pain and stiffness in the fingers, wrists, arms and shoulders. Eye and head also. Suffers form cold since he has been in England, slight defect in Vision.

On 31 August, 1918, Frank Jones left England for return to Australia on the H.T. Argyllshire, re-embarking on H.T. Osterley from Cape Town, South Africa and disembarking in Melbourne on on 15 April, 1918. Both ships were bringing invalids home, with Frank Jones being noted as diagnosed on 15 January with 'Bronchitis and Senility'. He was dishcarged fomr the Australian Imperia Force on 29 September, 1918.