MAKE 'EM LAUGH
Albert Jones - 55th Battalion
Albert Jones was born in Redfern in 1882. A Metal Ceiling Fixer by trade, he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in September 1915, clearly inspired by the news of what was happening on Gallipoli and keen to play his part. Originally assigned to the 17th battalion he left Australian in late December 1915 on the Suevic and upon arrival in Tel-El-Kebir was transferred to the 55th battalion and undertook canal defence duties.
In June 1916 he travelled to France onboard the Caledonian and then moved with the battalion to Northern France . On July 19 he took part in the allied attacks at Fromelles where he undertook a support role in the 14 th brigades push into enemy territory.
During the night he was captured and became a prisoner of war.
While in German custody he wrote home several times, beginning in October 1917, stating: “Shall be thankful if you could send me a Balaclava cap as my ears get painful in cold weather, especially my left ear which is still bad from shell-shock.”
A month later he wrote; “Am keeping in fairly good health thanks to parcels and can stand the cold better.”
He seemed to grow accustomed to life in the German prisoner of war camps and wrote home in 1918; “Am in good health and my heart is as big as it ever was – despite circumstances. One of the reasons for his high-spirits was possibly his involvement in the theatre, entertaining other prisoners.
Albert was clearly good at this for after his release he performed in London as a member of the Gustrow Bing Boys following their release at the end of the war.
Albert passed away in 1942 and is buried in Rookwood cemetery, Sydney .
Research notes:
1) Albert appears to be the oldest of eight children born to William and Eliza Jones.
Photos:
1) Albert Jones (center) as a member of The Gaiety Trio (AWM P03236.079)
2) Albert Jones (2nd from right) in Chicago Farmer (AWM P01981.033)
3) The Gustrow Bing Boys (AWM P01981.038)
4) Albert Jones (right) in Pierrette's Awakening (AWM P01981.039)