James Evans

Erquinghem-Lys Churchyard Extension, France

James Evans

Private No. 8932 A Company, 2nd Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers.

Died of wounds: France 23 May 1915. Age 29.

Buried in Erquinghem-Lys Churchyard Extension, France. I.B.8. V. C.E. 52.

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Born in Wrexham in 1886.

Second son of the Thomas Evans and Ruth Evans of Island Green Cottage, Wrexham.

James enlisted on 27th October 1905, serving at home and in India and Burma before being posted to the front in France.

James’ brother, John, also lost his life in the Great War. 

John was married to Alice, who received James’ medals, scroll and plaque and was in receipt of his war pension.

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Report in the Whitchurch Herald 29 May 1915 regarding the death of James Evans

"Mrs. John Evans of Higher Wych, has recently received the following, in reference to the death in action of her brother-in-law, Private. James Evans, who has been serving in France with the R.W.F.:

"Dear Mrs. Evans, It is with great regret that I have to inform you that your brother-in-law (Jim) 8932 J. Evans, 2nd R.W.F. has died of wounds this morning.
He was wounded last night, the 22nd May; he lived for about eight hours after, but he had no chance from the first.
He was hit by a piece of shell in the head. I don’t think he regained consciousness afterwards. I thought I would let you know, as I was one of his chums and we were in the same section, and my home is at Whixall. We were able to have a quiet talk about the old country now and again. Sending you my sincere regret in your bereavement, and from all his comrades; we are all very sorry to lose him as he was a splendid chap. Yours sincerely, J. DOWNES.

PS – I have been to his funeral today. He was buried in a church-yard a few miles behind the firing line with full honours.""