Jones, Owen

Owen Kenyon Jones was born on 26 March 1921 and was the son of Lilian Imogen Kenyon and Sidney Owen Jones. He attended New Plymouth Boy's High School before working as a wholesale merchant and a shepherd.

He enlisted in the RNZAF in April 1940 and began his training in Levin as an Air Gunner.

In June 1940 he was sent for further training where he served with several squadrons and the Aircraft and Armament Experimental Establishment before he was promoted to the rank of Flying Officer with No 12 Squadron.

Owen was one of seven crew returning on a mission to Dusseldorf Germany on 12 June 1943 when their aircraft was hit by flak over Holland and they were forced to bail out. Only one crew member landed safely by parachute.

After the war it was verified that Owen had been buried in the New Eastern Cemetery, Amsterdam, Holland. He was 22 and was survived by his widow and young daughter.

Books

Lest we Forget: a tribute by New Plymouth Boy's High School, New Plymouth, to the 227 men of the School who died while serving their Country during the Second World War, 1939-1945, by Jack West, TRCT940.5467 WES