The Association has learned of the death of S/Lt George ‘Henry’ S Jones RNVR on 22 July 2021 aged 97.
A brief outline of his life and achievements provided by family friend Brigadier P E O’R-B DAVIDSON-HOUSTON CBE
:
- Born in 19 December 1923.
- Educated at Gresham’s School, Holt.
- Volunteered for the RN and selected for the Fleet Air Arm in 1943.
- Flying Training in Canada as a Petty Officer pilot, on being awarded his wings commissioned into the RN.
- Operational Pilot from 1944 – 1946 based in the UK (Scotland, Isle of Man and Northern Ireland).
- Flew Tiger Moth, Harvard, Swordfish, Barracuda, Supermarine Seafire and Firefly. Recorded some125 deck landings including on HMS Theseus R64).
- On demobilisation returned to the family farm at Melton Constable, Norfolk, initially assisting his father and then taking over. He handed the farm over to his son in 2004.
- He was a Governor of Gresham’s School for 27 years, including as Vice-Chairman.
- From 1974 he was a member/Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers (founded in 1272) and a Freeman of the City of London.
- A keen sportsman, he played hockey at club level into middle age and golf at the Royal West Norfolk Golf Club at Brancaster into his 80s.
- He died on 22 July 2021 and leaves a daughter Susan and son Andrew, four grandchildren and one great grandchild.
Henry’s funeral took place on Thursday 12th August 2021 at All Saints Church, Beeston Regis (Near West Runton), Norfolk and had a Naval contingent consisting of the Fleet Air Arm Association National Standard, the Royal Naval Association Cromer Branch Standard and Lt Cdr Adrian Hewitt from 617 Sqn, RAF Marham. The congregation was around 90 persons.
The two standards met the coffin at the church yard gates and preceded the casket into the church, took post either side of the coffin at the front remaining at the order position for the duration of the service.
On completion the standards exited the church and then preceded the coffin to the adjacent graveyard where we took post at the head of the
grave. Standards were dipped during the committal when the Lt Cdr Hewitt saluted, having positioned himself in clear view to the side.
Details from Mick Wyatt, Standard Bearer, FAAA