Ira "Taffy" Jones

Trebrys · 27 October 2006, 02:42 PM

Would anyone out there have any detailed information on Ira "Taffy" Jones and his achievements? Any information at all will be gratefully appreciated.
Trebrys.

cameldriver · 27 October 2006, 06:27 PM

Taffy Jones began his career in the RFC as amechanic in 10 Squadron. In January, 1916 he began flying as an observer. In May, 1916, while working with a ground wireless receiving station, he rescued 2 wounded gunners and received the MM. In May, 1917 he was sent to England with a commision for pilot training. He served in France with 74 Squadron, and is credited with 37 victories.

Vin · 27 October 2006, 07:43 PM

Look for his fist fight with Bishop and his intimate knowledge of Mannock's real score.

Ginger. · 27 October 2006, 10:56 PM

Shurrup Vin, acting like a soft lad....

Taffy died falling off a ladder long after WW2, his widow promptly married his best mate from 74 Squadron, making her the unit's first groupie!

On a serious note try and get a copy of his book called

An Air Fighter's Scrapbook it's a great read. He was the CO of 74 Squadron before it was disbanded just after WW1.

frontflieger · 28 October 2006, 01:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ginger.

On a serious note try and get a copy of his book called 'An Airfighter's Scrapbook' it's a great read. He was the CO of 74 Squadron before it was disbanded just after WW1.

Hi all,

I read the book and found it really interesting - to see the 'other site'. - What biographies can YOU recommend?

Thorsten

cameldriver · 28 October 2006, 03:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ginger.

Shurrup Vin, acting like a soft lad....

On a serious note try and get a copy of his book called 'An Airfighter's Scrapbook' it's a great read. He was the CO of 74 Squadron before it was disbanded just after WW1.

You can also read his other book,

Tiger Squadron which tells about his experiences with 74 Squadron in both World Wars.

Ginger. · 29 October 2006, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cameldriver

You can also read his other book,

Tiger Squadron which tells about his experiences with 74 Squadron in both World Wars.

His tale of an evening spent deflection shooting at pigeons and rabbits with Sailor Malan during the Battle of Britain are priceless.

LEST WE FORGET

Gregvan · 29 October 2006, 11:49 AM

Hi There,

Taffy wrote one more book "King of Air Fighters", a hagiographic biography of his friend and mentor, "Mick" Mannock. All three books contain similar passages and themes, but they all reveal aspects of Taffy's own career, accomplishments and attitudes. He was a superb fighter pilot in his own right. He was very pro-Mannock, and anti-Bishop and anti-Richthofen. His books are a ripping good read, but I treat much of his stuff with a bit of healthy skepticism.

Personally, I think Ginger was Taffy in another life...

Greg

Trebrys · 29 October 2006, 02:24 PM

Thank you all for your replies. I have a copy of "King of the Air Fighters" but I will chase after the other two asap!

There was an item on the BBC Welsh website some time back about Jones's gravestone that had become very neglected as he had no family to tend to it. The writing on the stone had also become difficult to read due to the weather's effects. I wonder if anything was done to help out?

Trebrys.

Ginger. · 30 October 2006, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gregvan

Personally, I think Ginger was Taffy in another life...Greg