Memorial plaque unveiled to Essex local who fought in Battle of Waterloo
He also fought in wars against Spain
A new memorial plaque has been unveiled in Colchester - to remember a local man who fought in the Battle of Waterloo.
Captain Jesse Jones, who fought at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, was a soldier in the 1st Regiment of Foot Guards, now known as the Grenadier Guards.
A new commemorative stone has been placed at the site of his grave in St Botolph's Churchyard.
In 1811, he fought against France under Napoleon, seeing action in Spain at the Battle of Barossa during the Peninsular War.
During the Battle of Waterloo, Jones was wounded in the chest by a musket ball. In his later years, while living in Colchester, he used to recount his war exploits by displaying the actual musket ball.
Jones served for almost 21 years, from June 1804 until his retirement in April 1823, and subsequently became the administrative officer in the East Essex Militia with the rank of captain.
He died in 1868, aged 81, and was buried in St Botolph's churchyard.
Now, a new commemorative stone has been placed at the site of his grave in St Botolph's Churchyard, after the original inscription on his gravestone became difficult to read.
The new bronze plaque installed on Jones’s grave was unveiled in the presence of the Mayor of Colchester Cllr Tim Young, the Right Reverend Roger Morris the Bishop of Colchester, as well as representatives of Colchester Civic Society, Colchester Borough Council and the Garrison.
Cllr Pam Cox, Portfolio Holder for Museums and Heritage, said: "Jesse Jones is a remarkable individual in the story of 19th century Colchester. I am delighted the council has been able to support Colchester Civic Society in its work to ensure Jones's story is not forgotten.”