James JONES

James JONES. B.E.M. Corporal, 628449, Royal Air Force. Died 26th June 1942. At rest in grave 15 plot, P, Capuccini Naval Cemetery, Malta.

Credit the following to http://www.burnleygallantry.co.uk/haptonwarmemorial/WW2.htm

628449 Corporal James Jones, BEM. Killed at RAF Luqa, Malta on the 26 June 1942 whilst handling an unexploded canister bomb. Buried in Capuccini Naval Cemetery, Malta.
Awarded the BEM for gallantry at Royal Air Force Station, Luqa, Malta, "Corporal Jones who is employed in bomb disposal duties, has displayed high courage and devotion to duty. On 2 May 1942 a large delayed action bomb was dropped close to a Wellington aircraft. On examining the bomb, Corporal Jones found that there were two unmarked fuses that were ticking. This indicated the almost certain presence of an anti-withdrawal device. Fully aware of the grave risk to himself and realising that a valuable aircraft was endangered, Corporal Jones attempted to remove the fuses. He extracted one successfully and this was practically the first of its type to be removed and was of great interest to the experts.. He found it impossible, however, to extract the other as it was so firmly set. Corporal Jones displayed great gallantry and complete disregard for his personal safety."

BEM awarded in the London Gazette of 10 July 1942. (Information kindly supplied by Lieutenant-Colonel Jonathan R. D. Hipkins