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At the beginning of World War One, Irving Henry Jones was 16 years old, he quickly signed up under the pretence of being 21. Leaving behind the mines of Bedwas, South Wales, Irving headed off for military training which began on Salisbury Plain and then swiftly continued in Rhyl, North Wales.

Dressed in his buttoned boots and boater on his head, Irving went on parade in Rhyl while waiting for a uniform. He was in his element, particularly when it came to physical training and thrived on activities such as boxing and racing.

The men鈥檚 training was varied as it wasn鈥檛 yet established which division they鈥檇 eventually be part of. From gas attacks to marksman training and signalling, a great deal was covered. Rifle drill began with wooden sticks, later switched for dummy rifles before acquiring 鈥渢he real thing鈥�.

While training, Irving鈥檚 regiment was subject to a check from 鈥渆xperts鈥� seeking out underage soldiers. Irving explains that despite his young age he was shaving twice a day, so he jutted out his jaw and managed to pull the wool over the inspectors eyes because.. 鈥淚 wanted to go!鈥�.

Irving explains that the majority of the Welch Regiment were miners, which he felt characterised them in a rather unique way. When their promised leave to visit home didn鈥檛 happen, the men decided to meet to discuss the matter 鈥渏ust like a meeting on top of the pit鈥�. A decision was made to strike.

While on parade on Rhyl sea front, the bugle went for the men to 鈥榝all in鈥�, but nobody moved! After explaining themselves, the miners鈥� strike produced the desired result and the soldiers in training were granted their leave home from Rhyl.

Irving has fond memories of his training in Rhyl as well as for the local community there. Billeted to No.6 Gronant Street, Irving recalls that he was taken in 鈥渓ike a son鈥�.

After specialising as a signaller, it was time to leave for France. The affectionate send off from the community along with gifts and best wishes were a highlight that Irving recalls.

It wasn't until September 1915 that Irving boarded a ship to travel to the France, sailing at night in an attempt to avoid being spotted by German submarines. Overcome with seasickness Irving remembers 鈥淚 wanted to die before I got there鈥�.

Location: Rhyl Promenade, LL18 3AY.

Image: Royal Welch Fusiliers on the promenade at Rhyl, c.1915. Courtesy of Flintshire Archives

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