Corporal John Jones enlisted in the 28th Regiment in 1852 and served in the Crimea at the Battle of the Alma and in the operations before Sebastopol. In common with so many others, however, he was often absent through sickness. Following a period of convalescence in Malta, the 28th sailed for India and in late 1859, part of the Regiment was sent north on a special mission to quell 'a particularly desperate band of pirates and rebels' on the Island of Beyt. Landed under fire from the Indian Marine Ships Ferooz and Zenobia on 6.10.1859, in company with the 6th Native Infantry, the 28th made an unsuccessful attempt to storm the rebel's fortress, their resultant fatalities including Corporal Jones.