With sadness, I report the death of ‘Bert’ Jones on 1 September 1993.
We first met when in a group we spent off-duty hours in Cairo when the Regiment was re-equipping with Stuart tanks prior to embarking for Rangoon and the Burma campaign, thus starting a lifelong friendship.
Bert joined ‘A’ Squadron of the 7th Queen’s Own Hussars in early 1941 as tank crew (driver) and saw service in that capacity in early Western Desert actions, culminating in the battle of Sidi Rezegh, Burma and the Italian campaign where he was wounded in one of the actions in the Croce area. He returned to the Regiment in time to take part in the final push to Venice, VE Day and repatriation under the Python scheme.
Only a few days before his passing we had lunch together reminisced on old times and spent the afternoon drifting around the lanes and villages of Kent which he loved so much.
Predeceased by Gladys, his dear wife for more than 50 years, he leaves two daughters, Brenda and Marie, who are very much in our thoughts.
Farewell to a true comrade and true friend.