Richard Jones was born 8 December 1876, the oldest of 3 children, to Jonathan and Ann Jones of Carno, Montgomeryshire. At age 14 he became an apprentice tailor to his father. The family moved between Montgomeryshire and Cardiganshire but in 1899 Richard married Elizabeth Jane Jones in Aberystwyth and settled in Talybont, Cardiganshire.
By 1911 Richard had changed his occupation and was an insurance agent. By 1915 he had moved to Mountain Ash, Glamorganshire where he was recruited into the Welsh Regiment. His family were at this time living in Aberystwyth. Private Richard Jones, 35310, was posted to 14th Bn, Welsh Regiment (Swansea Pals) in 1916. He was reported missing believed killed at Mametz Wood 10 July 1916 and no trace of his body was found.
Two months later, on 15 September 1916, the Cambrian News reported that he was recovering from wounds to his thigh and arm. Despite frequent requests to the War Office by his widow, no further news was forthcoming until 10 July 1917 when the Cambrian News reported that he had been killed in action on 10 July 1916. He was survived by his widow and 6 children.
Private Richard Jones is commemorated on Thiepval Memorial and Aberystwyth War Memorial.
