This is one of a series of posts to mark the international Rugby players who served in, and survived, The Great War. If anyone has further information on the men concerned, I’d be most grateful if it could be added to the thread. Gareth Jones, James Phillips (‘Tuan’) MC* played for Wales Internationals: 1 : 1913 S+ (1t) James Johns was born on 23 November 1883 in Pontymoile. Played as a Centre for: Christ’s College Brecon, Guy’s Hospital, London Welsh, Monmouthshire, Barbarians Profession: Medicine; General Practioner in Meopham, Kent. Remarks: Brother of Internationals D P (‘Ponty’) [1 cap] and J P (‘Jack’) Jones [14 caps]. Anglo-Welsh tour to Australia and New Zealand 1908 (uncapped). Played for Kent v the 1906 Springboks while a mediucal sudent at Guy’s Hospital, and for Monmouthshire v the 1912 Springboks. Played for the Barbarians v Cardiff in 1913 (0-10). War service: Captain, Royal Army Medical Corps. MC Gazetted on 1 February 1918, with the citation appearing on 5 July: “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He worked in the line for a fortnight organising advanced dressing stations and bearer systems. During an enemy attack he was cut off from battalion headquarters, but established an aid post and worked under heavy fire in the open for thirty-six hours attending to a large number of wounded. He showed the greatest courage and endurance throughout.” Bar to the MC Gazetted on 26 July 1918: “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He was in charge of an advanced dressing-station, and when the village had been temporarily evacuated he was entirely responsible for the getting away safely of many of the wounded. Throughout the ten days of the battle he displayed the most conspicuous ability, cool courage and devotion to duty.” After the War he emigrated to Australia, where he settled. In 1959 he met the Pontypool players on the British Isles tour of Australia and New Zealand. He died in South Yarra, Melbourne, on 4 December 1964, the last surviving member of the 1908 Anglo-Welsh team.
James 'Tuan' Jones (23 November, 1883 - 4 December, 1964) was a Welsh international rugby union utility player who played club rugby for several teams, most notably Pontypool and Guy's Hospital. He only won a single cap for Wales, but was selected for the 1908 Anglo-Welsh tour to Australia and New Zealand. Jones, a doctor by profession, later emigrated to Australia and practised in Melbourne. As an old British Lion he was introduced to the 1959 team when they toured Australia. He died in Melbourne in 1964
