A War Time Log: The Prisoner of War Diary of John Davies Jones

Shot down in September 1944, John Davies Jones spent the next eight months as a Prisoner Of War in Germany. This compelling narrative recounts not only the camaraderie between the POWs but also highlights the cold and hunger of that bitter winter which culminated in the Long March as the Russians approached. Fantasies and recipes for meals once he was back home are interspersed with tales of the daily boredom of the camp, alongside highlights of the entertainment and visitors they experienced. Never sure where their next meal was coming from or when or if liberation would happen, John’s character shines through the highs and the lows of an unforgettable time.

Table of Contents:
Shot Down, My Diary Starts, Found and Interrogation, Wetzlar, Bankau, The Long March, Train Journey, Luckenwalde, Liberation Day and Beyond, Finis, List of Food and Meals I Intend to Have When Home, Recipes

About the Author :
John was born on February 7th 1922 in Canton, Cardiff. He grew up in Trinant in a family of coal miners, his father and uncles were all rugby and cricket players for Crumlin. He won a place at Newbridge Grammar School, where he was educated until aged sixteen and in 1938 he joined the RAF as an apprentice. In 1942, he signed on to become aircrew and joined 15 Squadron of the Lancaster bombers. His role on the crew of seven was Bomb Aimer, he directed the pilot until all the bombs were released. It was on their 19th mission that they were shot down. He met Pat through his cousin, Noreen, who knew Pat’s sister Joan. They married in 1943 in Newport, then caught the train and honeymooned for one night in Monmouth and he returned to the RAF station. Mair was born the following year. After the war ended in 1945, he remained to serve out the time he had signed on for, becoming an Instructor. His aptitude for training served him well as he then went onto Llandrindod Wells Teacher Training College, training in PE, History and Woodwork. All remained loves through his life. Living with Pat’s family in Pontypool, John secured a post at Usk Secondary Modern School, remaining there until it closed and children were sent to Comprehensive schools. During these years, John and Pat were active in local politics and John played rugby and cricket for Usk teams. They also moved to Mill Street, Usk and near to the cricket field. He became passionately involved in the Roger Edwards Educational Trust, became Secretary of the Rugby club, (eventually became President), served on the WRU for many years, started and ran the Educational Centre evening classes (formerly the school he had taught at), became Mayor and was appointed Education Officer at Usk Prison where he remained until retirement. He was passionate about rugby, loved cricket, politics, France (he organised rugby trips to France from the 60s until the 90s), enjoyed Bermuda and his grandchildren, as well as other children and young people. He was an interesting raconteur and could converse on many subjects with interest and insight. Though reticent to talk about his POW time, his Log Book gives us an insight into the man and the time.