H. Jones

H. Jones
source
Name	H. Jones
Birth name	Herbert Jones
Birth date	14 May 1940
Birth place	Putney, London, England
Death date	28 May 1982 (aged 42)
Death place	Mount Longdon, Falkland Islands
Allegiance	United Kingdom
Branch	British Army
Serviceyears	1960–1982
Rank	Lieutenant Colonel
Unit	Devon and Dorset Regiment, Parachute Regiment
Battles	The Troubles, Falklands War
Awards	Victoria Cross, Officer of the Order of the British Empire

H. Jones. Lieutenant Colonel Herbert "H" Jones, was a senior officer in the British Army who was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions during the Falklands War. He commanded the 2nd Battalion, Parachute Regiment during the Battle of Goose Green, where he was killed in action leading a critical assault against entrenched Argentine Army positions. His leadership and ultimate sacrifice became a defining symbol of British resolve during the conflict and he remains one of the most celebrated military figures of the late 20th century.

Early life and education

Herbert Jones was born in Putney, then part of the County of London, to a middle-class family. He was educated at Eton College, one of England's most prestigious independent schools, where he began to develop the leadership qualities that would define his later career. Following his time at Eton, he attended the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, the British Army's officer training academy, graduating in 1960 and receiving his commission into the Devon and Dorset Regiment.

Career

Jones's early military career included postings with his regiment in Germany, Cyprus, and Hong Kong. He later transferred to the elite Parachute Regiment and saw operational service in Northern Ireland during The Troubles. A highly regarded and energetic officer, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in 1981 and given command of the 2nd Battalion, Parachute Regiment. At the outbreak of the Falklands War in 1982, his battalion was deployed as part of the British task force sent to recapture the islands. During the Battle of Goose Green, a pivotal early engagement, he personally led a daring and exposed charge against a key Argentine Army machine-gun position on Mount Longdon, an action for which he was later awarded the Victoria Cross. His death during this assault galvanized his battalion, which went on to secure a vital victory.

Personal life

Jones married Sara Soame in 1965, and the couple had two sons. He was known to his friends and within the army by the nickname "H". An intensely private man outside of his professional duties, he was nevertheless described as charismatic and fiercely loyal to his soldiers. His interests included history and field sports. His family established the Lieutenant Colonel H Jones Memorial Trust in his memory to support the education of children of fallen service personnel.

Legacy

Jones's legacy is inextricably linked to his leadership at Goose Green and his posthumous Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the British Armed Forces. His decisive, if fatal, action is frequently cited in military studies of leadership and the Falklands War. A statue in his honor was erected at the Parachute Regiment headquarters in Colchester, and his name is commemorated on the Falklands War Memorial in London. His story has been featured in numerous histories, documentaries, and was dramatized in the BBC film An Ungentlemanly Act. The H. Jones Building at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom is named for him.

Awards and honors

For his service and gallantry, H. Jones received several high honors. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the 1982 Birthday Honours. His supreme act of valor led to the posthumous award of the Victoria Cross, announced in the London Gazette in October 1982. He is also the recipient of the General Service Medal with clasp for Northern Ireland, and the South Atlantic Medal with rosette for his service in the Falklands War.

Category:British Army personnel of the Falklands War Category:Recipients of the Victoria Cross Category:1940 births Category:1982 deaths