2nd Lieutenant Arthur Parry Jones (PJ 22389) was born on 31 January 1899 in North Wales and grew up in Old Colwyn. He worked as a Surveyor's apprentice in Abergele from the ages of 14 to 18. When the First World War broke out, his elder brothers John, Thomas and Walter all volunteered to join the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, and when he came of age, Arthur followed in their footsteps. After a short service it became obvious that Arthur was a special recruit and he was selected for transfer to the Royal Flying Corps, to train as a Fighter Pilot, where also received a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant.Arthur was one of the first men on earth to experience the thrill of flying an aircraft - which must have been an unimaginable joy at the time. It is very sad that having been lucky enough to avoid the trenches and the bullets, Arthur died in a training accident on 22nd September 1918 with only a few months left of the war.Shortly thereafter, his brother's John and Thomas both died in action, leaving a huge hole in the family. His third brother Walter was invalided in a mustard gas attack.Arthur was buried with full military honours in Llysfaen (St. Cynfran) Churchyard, where his grave remains today.

Allan Dawson