James Ira Thomas ‘Taffy’ Jones

First World War and Second World War

Captain James Ira Thomas ‘Taffy’ Jones was a fighter ace during the First World War, achieving 37 victories.  Born 18 April 1896 in St Clears in Carmarthenshire, Jones enlisted with the Army in 1913.

With the outbreak of war the following year, he transferred to the RFC, where he joined No. 10 Squadron as an Air Mechanic. In July 1915, he was posted to France, and in January 1916, he began flying as an Observer on combat missions.

The following year, in May 1917, Jones returned to England for pilot training. In August 1917, he received his Royal Aero Club Aviator’s Certificate. In early 1918, Jones was posted to No. 74 Squadron, where Mick Mannock was his Flight Commander.

Despite his unfortunate habit of crashing aircraft when attempting to land, Jones became a hugely successful fighter pilot, achieving 37 victories in just three months. He went on to volunteer to fight the Bolsheviks and was posted to the Archangel Front; however, he saw no further action.

Retiring from the RAF in 1936, Jones was called up to active service at the start of the Second World War, where he fought in the Battle of Britain. Jones died in hospital in 1960, aged 65, from injuries sustained in a fall from his ladder.

For his services, he was awarded numerous awards, including a DFC, MC and DSO. He also wrote three books that detailed his experiences in the air force.