Walter Evans
Walter Evans was a professional soldier formerly a lace hand.
- Family History
- Military history
- Extra information
- Photographs
Walter Evans was born in 1892 at Mansfield, he was the son of Henry James a railway locomotive driver and Hannah Evans née Cowley of 209 Wilford Rooad, Meadows, Nottingham
His siblings were Florence Olive, George Frederick (died New York 19/4/1947) and Ethel Evans.
His father Henry James was born in 1858 at Hadley, Derbyshire, his mother Hannah Cowley was born in 1863 at Marsh Lane, Derbyshire, they were married on 23rd April 1882 at Holy Trinity Church at Chesterfield, they went on to have 8 children, sadly 4 were to die in infancy or earley childhood.
In 1901 they lived at 9 Curtis Road
In the 1911 census the family are living at 209 Wilford Road Meadows Nottingham, Henry James 53 yrs is a railway locomotive driver, he is living with his wife Hannah 48 yrs and their children, George Frederick 26 yrs a dairyman and Etel 16 yrs of age.
Gunner Walter Evans attested in Nottingham on 2 February 1909 aged 18 years 9 months.
According to his ASR he served at home and abroad before the outbreak of war:
Home from 2 February 1909 -3 January 2011: 1 year 336 days
India from 4 January 1911 to 19 February 1915: 4 years 47 days
India C&D from 20 February 1915 to 8 December 1915: 292 days
Invalided India from 9 December 1915 to 9 February 1916: 63 days
Home Bn from 10 December 1916 to 12 June 1916: 124 days
Total service 7 years 132 days
Campaigns: Indian Expeditionary Force (illegible ? Persian Gulf)
Wounded WO Cas List x 8512
Medal Roll: Qualified for the 1915 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal. Theatre: Asia. Date of entry: 10 March 1915. Silver Badge number 11302
He was discharged at Gosport 12 June 1916 and was retained as a free patient at Bagthorpe Military Hospital Nottingham before apparently being transferred to a hospital near Richmond Surrey where his death was registered. He was granted a pension (Chelsea number 996) on 29 June 1916. Report of Medical Board dated 14 May 1916. 'In action Nov 23rd 1915 at Chesipham, Mesopotamia. Was wounded in the spine by bullet. Complete paralysis of lower extremities was caused by the bullet which is lodged between the 11th and 12th dorsal vertebrae. Complete paraplegia of lower limbs – he is thin and emaciated but condition is improving. Incontinence of urine and faeces. Loss of sensation below the crest of the ilium. Due to active service GSW (gun shot wound). Permanent. Total incapacity' (Army Service Record)
His character was 'exemplary' (ASR)
There exist no CWGC or UKSWD records for Walter Evans and this page has been researched by Rachel Farrand from his Army Service Record, the Medal Roll and census data.
Photo Rachel Farrand
The Evans family headstone in Nottingham General Cemetery. (Face 2) 'Also of Walter, the beloved son of Henry James and Hannah Evans, who died of wounds January 7th 1917 aged 25 years. And George F, their son, died April 19th 1947.'
Photo Rachel Farrand
The Evans family headstone in Nottingham General Cemetery. (Face 1) 'In loving memory of Hannah the beloved wife of Henry James Evans, who died April 9th 1916 aged 53 years. Henry James Evans who died April 6th 1933 aged 75 years. Reunited.'
Walter Evans
Bagthorpe Military Hospital (formerly Bagthorpe Hospital). Contemporary postcard courtesy of L Gadd.