Born in 1777, William Jones of Llanfaglan was ‘a fiery Welshman’ destined for an illustrious military career. Instrumental in saving the life of the Commander in Chief, Viscount Wellington in the Peninsular War in 1811, ‘Jack’ Jones as he was known to his contemporaries was a brave soldier, who finally fell at the Siege of Badajoz, leading his men through the breach created by the initial storming force known as the ‘forlorn hope’ – destined to take many casualties. Jones was promoted to Major by Lord Wellington on his death bed, and while his body lies buried half a continent away, his epitaph remains on the family memorial, dominating the ancient box pews at Llanfaglan church.
