James Ira Thomas “Taffy” Jones, D.S.O., M.C.,D.F.M.,M.M.
Born on 18th April 1896 at Woolstone Farm, Llanddowror, Ira Jones joined the 4th Welsh Territorials whilst working in London at the outbreak of the Great War. He managed to enlist into the fledgeling Royal Flying Corps, training as a Wireless Operator. He won the Military Medal in September 1916 for rescuing five wounded gunners when the airfield he was stationed on was attacked. He was commissioned in August 1917 and after a stint as an air gunner/observer was sent to England to commence Pilot Training.
He was posted to the famous 74 (Tiger) Squadron where he was to become one of the highest scoring fighter pilots of the War and the leading Welsh fighter ace, eventually being given command of the Squadron. His impressive group of medals include the Distinguished Service Order, Military Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross and Bar, and Military Medal. Ira Jones died in 1960 and is buried at Cana Chapel graveyard near Bancyfelin.
The memorial was unveiled to the 23 men of St. Clears who fell in World War I. To the right of the cross is Capt. Ira Jones, D.S.O., M.C., R.F.C., M.M., of the Royal Air Force who performed the ceremony and he is supported by Col. Delme Davies-Evans, D.S.O. (in uniform to the left).
