Memorial unveiled for Welshpool war hero

One of Welshpool’s most decorated war heroes has finally been provided with a headstone at St Mary’s Churchyard, befitting of his service.

Last year a former serviceman from Welshpool launched an appeal to fund a military headstone for Rorke's Drift survivor Sgt Evan Jones.

Vincent Morris, who served with the RWF within B (Rourke's Drift) Company, set up the online fund to place a headstone in St Mary's Churchyard in Welshpool.

Then in an extraordinary twist of fate, Gareth Watkins, also a former serviceman, stumbled across the fundraising campaign. Curious as to his own links with the Cosgrove family, this prompted an investigation into his own heritage, where Mr Watkins discovered that Sgt Evan Jones was in fact, his Great, Great Uncle.  

The former servicemen who were previously unknown to each other, connected and redoubled their efforts to provide Sgt Evan Jones the military headstone he so richly deserves.

Between them, through donations friends and family alone, they managed to raise the funding required to ensure that after over 90 years, Sergeant Evan Jones’ grave is now marked with a headstone befitting his stature as a national hero. 

And today along with local dignitaries and other guests they were present to see the memorial installed.

Also present was Evan Jones’s Grandson William (Bill) Jones who is pictured alongside the memorial.

Pictures by Alan Crowe