Ira Jones is Remembered
Written by society member Don Drew
Page last updated on Tuesday, 09-Feb-2010
Ira Jones, that famous World War One fighter pilot from Llanddowor will never be forgotten, thanks to a dedicated group from the Spitfire Society and the Aircrew Association.
Each April 18th - the anniversary of Ira's birth - they gather at his graveside in the small cemetery of Cana Chapel at Pass By just off the A40, to place a floral tribute and to recognise his achievements, which included service in WW2 helping to train Spitfire pilots, when he rose to the rank of Group Captain.
The 2009 occasion was introduced with a fly-past by Spitfire Society member Ray Burgess piloting his own BAe Bulldog, who included a "Victory Roll" as a special salute which surely Ira would have appreciated.
Ray is currently rebuilding a wartime Spitfire at Haverfordwest Airport see www.welshspitfire.com
These are not formal occasions, and in remembering Ira opportunities are taken to tell some of the many stories associated with the great man.
This time we heard of a habit of his while with No 74 (Tiger) Squadron, of holding up a replica Tiger's head whenever his comrades were in celebration, and calling for an extra cheer.
So it was that it seemed appropriate to close the proceedings with Ira's own cry of "And one for the Tiger," and we all duly responded . . . . . and gave aloud an assurance to be there again next year.
Ira has been spoken of affectionately many times in the correspondence columns of the Carmarthen Journal by people who knew him, and they will be pleased to know that his memory lives on.
The group takes lunch afterwards each year at the "Fox and Hounds" in Bancyfelin, where the reminiscing continues.
