Orders, Decorations and Medals

MILITARY MEDAL, G.VI.R. (7897205 L.Sjt. W. R. Jones, R.Tank.R.), together with original Certificate of Transfer to the Army Reserve, extremely fine

M.M., London Gazette, 26 October, 1944. The following citation was extracted from official records: 'L/Sgt Jones was commanding a tank in 'A' Sqn in support of 2 Foresters and 1 K.S.L.I. Halfway to the objective his troop came under extremely heavy enemy shell fire which wounded his troop commander and prevented the advance of our infantry. L/Sgt Jones immediately took command of the remainder of his troop and took the tanks forward on to the objective, despite the fact that this entailed driving over enemy trenches commanded by resolute enemy parachutists and who attacked his tanks with grenades and MG fire at a range of sometimes less than 5 yds. Wherever possible Sgt Jones himself threw grenades from his turret into the enemy trenches and although the control of his troop required the constant exposure of his head and shoulders to observe the enemy dispositions and place his tanks accordingly, his determination to over-run the enemy positions overcame all difficulties. Under his direction his troop destroyed many enemy machine gun nests and so effectively silenced the considerable enemy opposition that our infantry were enabled to advance again. L/Sgt Jones was also quick to notice the movement of enemy MT behind the enemy lines and immediately engaged them with his guns as well as giving quick and accurate observation to the Div Arty, so that several vehicles were destroyed. Throughout the battle, L/Sgt Jones showed great initiative and complete disregard for his own safety. His quick grasp of a difficult situation and his vigorous resourcefulness were a great inspiration to all ranks of his Squadron.'