James Evans

Remembered with Honour in the Erquinghem-Lys Churchyard Extension, France1914 Star, British War Medal and Allied Victory Medal.

James Evans.

Personal Details:

Born in Wrexham in 1886.

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

James is recorded as living in Higher Wych in the January 1915 Malpas Deanery Magazine.

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Military Details:

Regiment:           A Company, 2nd Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers.

Rank:                 Private.

Serial Number:   8932.

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

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Record of Death:

Died of wounds in France on 23rd May 1915. Aged 29.

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

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Medals and Awards:

James was awarded the Campaign Medals (1914 Star, British War Medal and Allied Victory Medal).

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Further information:

James’ older brother, John, also lost his life in the Great War in April 1916.

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.

Brother in Law of Alice Evans, of Higher Wych, Malpas, Cheshire.

"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.""