AN important collection of artefacts belonging to three brothers killed during the First World War has been secured for posterity in their hometown.

The unique collection of 40 items connected to the Jones brothers of West Hartlepool has been bought by the Museum of Hartlepool using its own Purchase Fund, which is money donated by visitors to the museum and saved for this purpose.

The three brothers were Theophilus (Theo), Herbert (Bert) and Alfred (Alf) Jones, and while interest has previously centred on Theo due to the significance of his death – by being the first British soldier to be killed by enemy fire on mainland Britain – research has uncovered that his brother’s stories are equally as tragic.

Councillor Stephen Akers-Belcher, who spotted the items being auctioned off and alerted the council, said: “This important collection was acquired using the Purchase Fund, which goes some way towards helping the museum secure important items of value to Hartlepool.

“We would encourage all visitors to the museum to donate what they can.”

The collection includes – the War Medal 1914 - 1918 awarded to Private Theophilus (Theo) Jones; a book of Common Prayer, given to Theo Jones and carried in his breast pocket of his uniform during the Bombardment. The book is pierced by a fragment of German naval shrapnel, and a fragment of Theo’s uniform is still stuck to the front; five medals awarded to Herbert Jones, including a Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) for bravery – awarded posthumously; and two medals awarded to the youngest brother Alfred, who volunteered for the army after Theo’s death. Killed on May 3, 1917 during battle of Arras.

Cllr Allan Barclay, the council’s member champion for the Armed Forces, said: “Theo’s medal and prayer book will be temporarily displayed at the Museum of Hartlepool in time for Remembrance Day.”

Plans are underway for all the items to be displayed the Heugh Gun Battery Museum in 2018, as part of the Borough’s official programme for the Commemoration of the Armistice.