IRA (TAFFY) JONES, 65, FAMED WAR FLIER, DIES The Bridgeport Post (Bridgeport, Connecticut), Tuesday, August 30, 1960, p 29 Ira Jones was born on 18 April, 1896 at Woolstone, Llanddowror-near St. Clears, Carmarthenshire. He was a plucky character, joining the Territorials-the 4th Welsh- in 1913. At the outbreak of war in 1914, Ira was in London-studying Wireless and Cable Telegraphy. He waited for the call to arms, but it never came, and so-feeling very frustrated-he decided to join the fledgling Royal Flying Corps. It was now June 1915. After training at Farnborough, Ira was posted to No. 10 Squadron at Netheravon. He was commissioned in August 1917, and after a stint as an air gunner/ observer, was sent to England to commence Pilot Training, before being posted to the famous 74 Squadron, led by 'Mick' Mannock, and it was with them that he earned his impressive array of medals. Ira won the Military Medal in September 1916, by rescuing five wounded gunners, whilst he was working as groundcrew. Next Ira was awarded The Russian Order of St. George's Cross, in January 1917, after receiving several commendations for bravery. His Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) (London Gazette dated 3 August, 1918) was awarded for "In eleven days this officer attacked and destroyed six enemy aeroplanes, displaying great courage, skill and initiative." Next came the Military Cross (MC). The citation in the London Gazette of 16 September, 1918 read- "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. This officer, one of an offensive patrol, engaged and shot down in flames a two-seater, which fell to earth. Ten days later, on offensive patrol, he shot down a Hannover two-seater, which crashed. The next day, when patrolling, he pursued, overtook and shot down an Albatross two-seater. During the same flight he met a Halberstadt two-seater and killed the observer, who either jumped or fell overboard, but had to break off as his ammunition was finished. The next day he shot a balloon down in flames. Three days later he got a good burst with both guns on a Pfalz scout, both wings coming off. He has driven two others down out of control." http://www.laugharnewarmemorial.co.uk/page4.htm Read more at Steve J's excellent site !
In addition to his aeronautical feats, Fg Off J I T Jones played Rugby for the RAF on four occasions: at scrum-half v Royal Navy (3-12) in 1920; at fly-half v Army (26-3) in 1921; at fly-half v Royal Navy (6-9) and v Army (8-23) in 1922. Gareth
He was also an author, with three books to his credit. Tiger Squadron is a history of No 74 Sqn RAF, An Air Fighter's Scrapbook is an autobiography, and King of Air Fighters is a biography of Major Edward Mannock VC. Jones was a close friend of Mannock's and apparently he was the person who used some "creative accounting" to credit Mannock with 73 victories, ie one more than the 72 credited to Billy Bishop, who Jones is said to have disliked. Gareth
