Elmer’s End Cemetery

Borough of Bromley, Greater London

William John George Evans VC (1876-1937)

George, as he was known, was born in Kensington on 16th February 1876 to pub barman Daniel Evans and his wife Mary, who had married the year before. Mary died when George was six weeks old and his father remarried the following year, but was unfortunately widowed again in 1880 and remarried once more in 1881. From the third marriage, George had four brothers, although two died young. After school and some time working as a labourer, George joined the 1st Scots Guards on 5th March 1894, was promoted to Lance Corporal in April the following year, but reverted to Private in December 1896. He went on to serve in the South African War 1899-1900, and on his return to Britain was seconded from the 3rd Scot Guards to the Imperial Representative Corps, accompanying the future King George V on the Australian Commonwealth inauguration tour. He was discharged to the reserve in August 1902, and went on to serve in the Derby Borough Police, followed by the Manchester Police. His marriage to Clara Bates, a tobacconist’s assistant, resulted in four children.

In 1910, he became an inspector with the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, working for them in Manchester. He returned to the Army by enlisting as a Sergeant in the 18th Manchester (3rd City) in January 1915 and was appointed Company Sergeant Major in the March. He and his company journeyed to France that November, where he saw action. At Guillemont on 30th July 1916 he volunteered to carry an important message, which had been attempted by five runners before him who were all killed in the process. Covering 700 yards, all of which was under enemy observation, he succeeded in delivering the message, although he was wounded during the mission. Despite being advised to have his wound dressed, he made the return journey to his company under fire. He was later taken prisoner and held captive in Germany, although he was exchanged through Holland in June 1918, where he stayed until the end of the War.

For his actions at Guillemont, he was awarded the Victoria Cross, the last so Gazetted for the First World War, and was presented with it by King George V at Buckingham Palace on 12th March 1920. For his work with the NSPCC, he became known as the ‘Children’s VC’. After the War, he resumed his work with NSPCC and, over the course of his 27 years with the society, is believed to have helped over 12,500 children. He died at his home at 5 Tremaine Road, Anerley, London on 28th September 1937.
Restored by Steve Davies, with research by Paul Cox