1205531 Capt. George James Mahony-Jones Royal Flying Corps 20 Sqd. (d.7th Apr 1917) Capt Mahony-Jones was shot down by Maximilian Muller of Jasta28 on the evening of the 7th of April 1917. His FE2d was brought down over the Front lines whilst returning from the second bombing raid of the day on Mouvaux aerodrome. Mahony-Jones lead eight FE2's each dropping two 112 pound bombs over the target, causing damage to at least two hangers.
As the formation was crossing the Front lines, it was attached by a formation of Albatros Scouts, Lt Lawson's aircraft had been hit and was under attack from all sides, Mahony-Jones turned his aircraft and challenged the enemy, allowing Lawson to make an emergency landing behind the British Lines.
The battle was watched from the ground by the men of the 34th Battalion AIF, their adjutant wrote to RFC HQ the following day:
To the Commandant, RFC Bailleul, 8th April 1917.
"The C.O. 34th battalion AIF has asked me to express a deep sense of admiration which was inspired by the gallant flying of an airman, apparently belonging to a Squadron under your command. About 6 pm on the evening of the 7th instant, two of our planes were engaged with nine of the enemy's. One plane was damaged and the other, although retreat looked possible turned and fought. Several of the enemy's planes scattered but unfortunately our plane was hit and immediately burst into flames.
The scene was witnessed by the men of the Battalion from the trenches and the conspired bravery was much spoken of by them and the gallantry is sure to foster a spirit of emulation for our men to strive hard on their parts, to act in the same heroic and self sacrificing manner as this gallant airman. The true bravery of your very fine Corps was thus strikingly brought home to our men."
Adj. 34th Battn.
Mahony-Jones and his gunner 2nd Lt W.B.Moyes were laid to rest in a German cemetery, after the war they were transferred to the CWGC cemetery at Bailleul.
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