Private George Alexander Jones was born on 25 April 1919 in Gravenhurst, Ontario. George’s family consisted of his father, George Sr., mother, Mabel, older sister, Mildred, and older brother, Morley. George had blue eyes and a fair complexion and hair colour. Growing up, George became a member of the United Church of Canada and completed his education up until grade eight. Unfortunately, he was not able to continue his studies past this point as his father’s death meant that George needed to turn his attention to supporting his family’s farm. In addition to farming, George was employed as a truck driver, forge worker, and machine operator for a gold mine at various points in his youth. Later in life, George married his wife, Stephanie Marie Jones of Toronto, Ontario, and the couple relocated to Hamilton, Ontario.

Prior to enlisting in the Canadian Army, Private Jones completed 30 days of compulsory reserve training with the Algonquin Regiment from October to November 1940. He later enlisted in the Canadian Army on 18 May 1943 in Toronto. At the time of his enlistment, Private Jones was measured at 5 feet and 7.5 inches, and weighed 157 pounds. His personnel selection record described him as a well-built man with a rather rough but healthy appearance. He was assessed as being of average intelligence and emotional stability with a responsive and self-assured manner. Private Jones was deemed physically fit for service and was observed as having a good attitude towards the army which should allow him to become a fairly efficient soldier. Private Jones completed his basic training on 2 August 1943 and his infantry corps training on 28 October 1943. During this time, he became qualified to use weapons including a rifle, light machine gun, submachine gun, and grenades.

Once he was fully trained, Private Jones landed in England on 15 December 1943 and was initially assigned to the 4th Canadian Infantry Reinforcement Unit. However, on 3 March 1944 he was reassigned to the 48th Highlanders of Canada, now part of the 1st Canadian Infantry Brigade and 1st Canadian Infantry Division. At first he was sent to join the Regiment in its campaign in Italy. Then, as part of Operation Goldflake, the Regiment, along with the rest of I Canadian Corps, was moved to Northwestern Europe, and Private Jones landed in France on 13 March 1945. He later fought with the Regiment during Operation Market Garden and participated in freeing the towns of Eindhoven, Nijmegen, and Arnhem from Nazi occupation. After this, he was part of the Regiment’s advance towards Apeldoorn and contributed to the liberation of the town of Wilp.

Sadly, Private Jones was killed in action on 12 April 1945 while fighting to liberate the town of Twello. He was 25 years of age at the time of his death and was survived by his wife, mother, sister, and brother. Initially buried alongside his fallen comrades of the 48th Highlanders in Wilp, his remains were later transferred to his final resting place at the Holten Canadian Military Ceremony, located at Grave 10, Row C, Plot 1. For his military service to his nation, Private Jones was awarded the 1939-45 Star, Italy Star, France & Germany Star, War Medal, and Canadian Volunteer Service Medal & Clasp.

After researching the life of Private Jones, what resonates most with us is his unwavering sense of duty. Firstly to his family, by sacrificing his education to support the family farm after his father’s death. Then to his nation, by volunteering to serve in the Canadian Army at a time of great strife and uncertainty. We believe his strong sense of commitment in the face of adversity and his dedication to those around him when they needed him most truly embodies the motto of our regiment, “Faithful Forever”. We will strive to honour his legacy and that of his fallen comrades by viewing his life as an example to emulate and placing duty before self as he did so valiantly.

Written by Corporal Christopher Fajardo and Corporal David Massara