John Jones, Lieut 62nd Regt, his signature from a regimental paylist dated Ballinrobe, Ireland, 8 July 1775
Nationality: English (probably Welch)
Born: ca.1752
Regimental commission dates:
Ensign, 9 December 1767
Lieutenant, 1 September 1771
Wounded: Battle of Hubbardton, 7 July 1777
Captured: Saratoga, New York, 17 October 1777 (Convention Army)
Promoted into another regiment: Captain-Lieutenant, 9th Regiment, 1 September 1779
Died: unknown
Little is presently know about John Jones's family or background. His military career began in the 62nd Regiment of Foot in 1767 and within a few short years, gained the rank of lieutenant. Near the beginning of 1777, the 62nd Regiment's light infantry company underwent a significant change of command. Captained by Erle Hawker, with Lieutenants George Preston Vallancey and William Cumberland Wilkinson, Hawker and Wilkinson transferred to a battalion company and were replaced by Captain Alexander Campbell and Lieutenant John Jones, respectively. Jones was in fact a veteran light infantry officer, having been assigned as the original junior lieutenant of that company when it was first formed in 1771. During the Northern Campaign of 1777, Jones was again with the company and was again serving in his original position as its junior lieutenant.
Jones fought in the Battle of Hubbardton (7 July 1777), in which battle he was wounded. He also fought with his light infantry company in both Battles of Saratoga (19 September and 7 October 1777), surviving unscathed. He surrendered with the rest of Lieutenant-General Burgoyne's army at Saratoga on 17 October 1777.
During his time as a prisoner with the regiment, Jones was able to get a promotion into another regiment (albeit one which was also in captivity). Although official dates for his promotion contradict, Jones became the captain-lieutenant of the 9th Regiment on 1 September 1779 (some records incorrectly give the date as 1 January 1781). From there, he became a captain in the 9th Regiment on 28 September 1781. He exchanged commissions with Captain Alexander Buchannan, an officer from the late 95th Regiment, on 21 July 1784, thereafter retiring from active service.