EPIC OF TODGER JONES.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 245, 26 January 1917, Page 2 (Supplement)

EPIC OF TODGER JONES.

Y.C. WHO CAPTURED 102 GERMANS. ATTACK BY ONE MAN. Sergt. Tugg, of the Roj-al Army Medical Corps, who witnessed Private Tom Jones, of Runcorn, win his Victoria Cross, has described the amazing way in which the Cheshire soldier captured single-handed 102 German prisoners. "On September 25," said Sergeant Tugg, "wo took a village and started to dig ourselves in. Soon bullets began to fly all round. Jones turned to his officer and said, 'They nearly got me.' "The shower of bullets continued, and the man next to Jones was hit. Jones said, ' If I'm to be killed, I'll bo killed fighting, not digging.' He grabbed his rifle and walked over to tho German trenches alone. Every one expected him to go down instantly, and we learned later than one bullet had gone through his helmet and three through his tunic. "Wo gave him up when he entered the German trench, but eight minutes later two of his pals said, ' He's gone, and we're going, too.' Others followed, and when they got across they saw a sight they will never forget. "There was Todger Jones standing by a hundred of the enemy in a big hollow. He was threatening them with bombs, and all had their hands up. Ho told them to put on their coat 3, and his pals helped to round them up They included an officer.* Jones' comrades learned from the prisoners that he had bombed the dooi of th.eir dug-out, killing the first three who showed themselves. Then he ordered them to emerge one by one, with their hands up, threatening instant deatli for disobedience. One by one they came out, and were lined up until 102 stood before tho dauntless bomb thrower, in an attitude of surrender.

"The men in the trenches went almost wild," said Sergt. Tugg, "when Jones returned at the head of'his capture, and eleven officers joined in.'' The story of Jones' feat created the greatest enthusiasm in Runcorn. The V.C.'s return on leave was eagerly awaited by the whole town. His parents, who live in Princess St., have been overwhelmed with congratulations.