Gunner Rex Jones was born in Hornsby, NSW, in 1893. When he enlisted on 17 January 1916 at Marrickville, his occupation was listed as a station hand (sheep stud farm) and living at ‘Arcadia’ Goodwin Road Berowra, NSW.
He has allocated Service Number 18883 and his unit was given as 7th Australian Field Artillery, 27 Battery. On 11 May 1916, he embarked from Sydney on board the HMAT A8 Argyllshire, heading to France. He arrived there on 29 December 1916.
During his service he was admitted to hospital with a septic toe on his right foot in April 1917 and again admitted to hospital with PVO on 21 November 1917.
While in England he married Edith Marian, nee Campbell, at Lambeth, London, on 12 July 1919. They returned to Australia on the vessel Benella on 29th November 1919. He was discharged from the services on 27 January 1920.
Rex was accidentally drowned on 26 November 1936 at Berowra Waters. A memorial to him is located on the eastern side of Berowra Waters, approximately 150 meters up the roadway, overlooking the river (Cnr Berowra Waters Road and Kirkpatrick Way, Berowra Waters). It is made of sandstone blocks, with engraved writing on the top slab. It reads:
Dedicated to the memory of Rex Jones
27th Bty 7th AFA
Accidentally Drowned
26th November 1936