Book of Remembrance

Ken Jones died on 15 September 2008 at the age of 81. During his school years, he showed what a future asset he was to be in the Regiment, not least of which his boxing prowess when chosen to become one of Jack London’s sparring partners. Jack went on to become a middle heavyweight champion at international level. After completing his recruit training, Ken joined the Regiment on 2 March 1945. His first tour of duty was with the 3rd Battalion at 18 years of age. He was soon promoted and was an outstanding young NCO. He developed his shooting skills and qualified as a sniper, eventually competing at Army level and winning several trophies. His service took him to the Canal Zone, which although not declared an active service theatre, proved to be a difficult and sometimes dangerous tour of duty. He also served in Tobruk with a short tour of duty further south on the African continent, involved in seeking out members of the Mau Mau terrorist organisation. These operational tours were interspersed with public duty tours including spells at the Tower of London and Birthday Parades. He was promoted to Gold Sergeant. His outstanding qualities were recognized and rewarded by a tour as a drill sergeant on the staff at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. He decided after 11 years’ service to seek new horizons and took up a career in electrical retail and contracting work in the SouthWest.He eventually retired to Cornwall where he soon had to take a keen interest in gardening; but took up a more relaxed but keen interest in the local antiques’ fairs, including assisting with the lunchtime refreshments. He will be greatly missed by his wife, Jo, his family and his many friends in all the many walks of life in which he was involved.