"OXO"

[nasher546]

Gerry,

I think OXO would have been early to middle 60s. As you say, not that old.

Oh Dear, what very sad news.

OXO, aka Arfon Jones 12 from Tredegar, joined the Bn in Honiton as a result of the formation of the RRW. He was a Cpl ex WELCH Regiment. If I remember correctly, he was posted to A Coy. As Cpls, we did become friends, his infectious humour socially, coupled by his professionalism on duty, endeared him to most of those he came into contact with - "played hard and worked just as hard."

I lost touch with OXO when I left the Bn Dec 77 on posting to SWW NETHERAVON. I think at that time he was a Pl Sgt at Crickhowell, I might be wrong!.

I would certainly be interested in any burial details and would make every effort to attend - "he was a one off" who seemed to suddently disappear from the public eye. I did try to get in touch with him at one time when he was at the Depot Crickhowell to no avail.

He wasn't that old, any ideas?

[Gwyn Nicholas]

Sad news once again. OXO was a great character. I remember being in the Cpls mess in Lemgo (overlooking the square) there was some sort of remedial drill going on cant remember who but when asked why he was not down there he replied " I got a B in Pirbright he aint effin drilling me he got a C" . We all laughed but he was serious. Godbless OXO

There is a good photo of OXO Gallery 1970's page 19 with the late Derek May, two buddies re-united.

[Keith Jones 989]

I knew 'Oxo' very well. I was BOR Duty Clerk in Hong Kong when the signal came through that his father had died. Lt Morkill (orderly officer) knew that he was a friend and asked me to go round to his room (in A Coy Lines Gun Club Hill Barracks) to notify him! For those who need reminding here is a link to a shot of him, on the gallery (he is, of course, the one on the left of the photograph):

http://www.rwf-forum.co.uk/pgallery/...e10_397805.jpg

[Dai72]

What a guy, sad loss RIP.

[Thom15]

A regular in the Red Dragon, great lad. RIP OXO.

[sixties]

A great bloke, knew him in Honiton.another sad day.
My wife & i send our Condolences to his family.

[Barry69]

I only knew OXO for a year in Tidworth a legend that us sprogs got to admire old school and a character my condolences to his family and friends

[Bob Lloyd]

So, so sorry to hear of the sad news about Oxo (Sgt A B Jones 12). What a pity we do not hear of Royal Welchmen who are seriously ill. I’m sure a visit or a letter from his mates would have cheered him up no end during his hours of need. I have many fond memories of Oxo, why because he was a good all round soldier, the type you’d want in your pl when the chips were down. When I joined 1pl A coy in Hong Kong he was a section comd in 3 pl. I remember him as very professional NCO with an infectious sense of humour, a role model for many, even if he forgot to tie the legs of a chicken together when demonstrating how to wring its neck prior to an A Coy escape and evasion exercise! Just read his amusing 3pl notes in Y Draig Goch where he recalls the ‘Det Set’ - anyone remember what that was? He also liked to party – work hard, play hard the Royal Welch way. There is a super picture of him in Y Draig Goch taken in Fiji in 1971 dressed up in grass skirt with Nipper Smith, Geoff Pritchard and Clive Morgan 20. He was a greater supporter of the Red Dragon Club and the rugby team but didn’t play much, basketball was his sport in HK, although I well remember one occasion he played on the wing during the Bn tour of the Channel Islands in 1972 when more able players overdid it the night before. He was no Gerald Davies but at least he turned up to play! On promotion he left Alphas to take over as Pl Sgt 11 Pl and then to the Depot before returning to the Bn in Lemgo. Good soldier, great character, great guy, my heartfelt condolences to his family.

There are many kinds of sorrow
In this world of love a hate
But there is no sterner sorrow
Than a soldier’s for his mate

[Rog Ball 01]

Another one of the faithfull left us and joined the Bn in the skies.

I knew OXO when he was Pl Sgt in 11 Pl, with Jock Gilmour as his Pln Comd, what a pair. I served with D Coy in Derry as MT Cpl and came across Oxo lot.

My family and I send our condolances to his family and friends.

[Thom15]

Anyone know how he got the nickname OXO?