George Lesson Jones – Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, 207 Squadron

Flight Lieutenant George Lesson Jones – Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, 207 Squadron

Early Life

George Lesson Jones

George Lesson Jones was born in 1913 in Oystermouth, the son of William James Jones and Mildred Elizabeth Ann Owen, who married in 1912. At the time of their marriage, William was a widower.

Family Home

1921 Census

According to the 1921 Census, the Jones family were living at 15 The Parade, Mumbles. William, aged 46, worked as a baker and confectioner, while Mildred, aged 37, undertook the household duties. Their children were Ethel W., 15, from William’s first marriage, who assisted at home; George L., 7; Gwen M., 6; and Catherine, 4, who all attended school; and Ida M., aged 1.

Military Service

Lancaster heavy bomber

RAF Spilsby, Lincolnshire

George went on to serve as a Flight Lieutenant with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, 207 Squadron. Based at RAF Spilsby, Lincolnshire, the squadron operated Lancaster heavy bombers as part of Bomber Command’s strategic operations.

On the night of 16^th July 1944, George’s aircraft Lancaster ME807 took off on a raid against the Nevers railway yards in France. The other members of his crew who lost their lives were:

• Flight Officer Edward Dalgleish, Glasgow, Scotland – Second Pilot
• Pilot Officer Barrington St John Woollard, London, England – Flight Engineer
• Flight Officer Frank Reginald Tickle, Western Australia – Navigator
• Pilot Officer Frederick George Graham, Toronto, Canada – Bomb Aimer
• Sergeant Joseph Harold Fellows, Staffordshire, England – Wireless Air Gunner
• Sergeant Richard Arthur Gaut, Bedfordshire, England – Mid-Upper Gunner
• Pilot Officer Michael James Wallace Cantwell, Sydney, Australia – Rear Gunner

All eight men now rest side by side at Lignières-de-Touraine Communal Cemetery, France.

207 Squadron

No. 207 Squadron RAF was one of the earliest squadrons formed by the Royal Air Force and served throughout the Second World War as part of Bomber Command. Operating Avro Lancaster heavy bombers from bases including RAF Spilsby, the squadron took part in numerous major night operations over occupied Europe and Germany. Its duties included bombing industrial centres, disrupting railway and supply routes, and supporting major campaigns such as the Battle of the Ruhr and the Berlin raids. Losses across Bomber Command were high, and 207 Squadron faced constant danger from anti-aircraft fire, night fighters, and the challenges of long-range night missions.

No. 207 Squadron RAF – 16^th July 1944

On the night of 16^th July 1944, 207 Squadron took part in Bomber Command’s operation targeting the Nevers railway yards in central France. This raid was intended to disrupt German troop movements and supply lines following the D-Day landings. Lancaster crews from RAF Spilsby flew deep into occupied France, facing anti-aircraft fire, night fighters, and the hazards of night navigation. Although the raid caused significant damage to the railway network, several aircraft were lost, including Lancaster ME807 carrying Flight Lieutenant George Lesson Jones and his crew.

Resting Place

Flight Lieutenant George Lesson Jones is buried at Lignières-de-Touraine Communal Cemetery, France.