Ralph Jones

Ralph Jones, GC (26 September 1900 – 5 August 1944) was an English-born Australian soldier who was posthumously awarded the George Cross for the gallantry he showed when Japanese prisoners of war staged an escape attempt on 5 August 1944 in Cowra, New South Wales.

Early life Jones was born in the Gorleston-on-Sea area of Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England, United Kingdom and educated there until the age of 14. He served in the British Army at the end of World War I and in the army of occupation on the Rhine, Germany, until invalided home in April 1920. He emigrated to Australia about 1926.

Second World War and death On 15 January 1942, Jones was mobilised and, in February, was posted to the prison camp at Cowra.