03/11/2025
On the lead up to Remembrance Day, we would like to commemorate some of our wartime residents, to shed a spotlight on those we owe so much to.
We start with this wonderful gentleman, George Evans VC.
An excerpt from the London Gazette in 1920 reported the following of his bravery:
Company Sergeant Major George EVANS, 18th Battalion, Manchester Regiment.
For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty during the attack at Guillemont on the 30th July 1916, when under heavy rifle fire and machine gun fire he volunteered to take back an important message after five runners had been killed in attempting to do so. He had to cover about 700 yards, the whole of which was under observation from the enemy.
Company Sergeant Major EVANS, however, succeeded in delivering the message, and although wounded, rejoined his company, although advised to go to the dressing station.
The return journey to the company again meant a journey of 700 yards under severe rifle and machine gun fire, but by dodging from shell-hole to shell-hole he was able to do so, and was taken prisoner some hours later.
On previous occasions at Montauban and Trones Wood this gallant Warrant Officer displayed great bravery and devotion to duty, and has always been a splendid example to his men.
After his brave actions on the battlefield, he was captured and taken as Prisoner of War for over 2 years.
His medal was soon to be known as the children's VC, due to his work as an inspector for the NSPCC from 1902 to 1915.
