William John George Evans

William John George Evans VC, usually known as George Evans, was born in Kensington, London, on 16 February 1876. He first enlisted in the Scots Guards in March 1894 and served during the South African War before leaving the Army in August 1902. After his first period of military service, Evans worked for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, work that later helped earn him the affectionate title “the Children’s VC.” [1]

When the First World War began, Evans rejoined the Army in January 1915. He served with the 18th Battalion, Manchester Regiment, known as the 3rd Manchester Pals, and rose to the rank of Company Sergeant-Major. By July 1916, his battalion was fighting on the Somme, where the village of Guillemont became the scene of his Victoria Cross action. [2]

On 30 July 1916, at Guillemont, France, Company Sergeant-Major Evans volunteered to carry back an important message after five runners had already been killed in the attempt. He had to cross about 700 yards of ground, all under enemy observation and fire. Although wounded, he succeeded in delivering the message and then returned to his company, despite being advised to report to the dressing station. His return journey again exposed him to severe rifle and machine-gun fire, but he managed to make his way back by moving from shell-hole to shell-hole. [3]

Evans was taken prisoner later the same day and spent much of the remainder of the war in German captivity. He was exchanged through Holland on 6 June 1918 and was repatriated after the Armistice. His Victoria Cross was gazetted in January 1920, making it the last VC gazetted for the Great War. King George V presented him with the decoration at Buckingham Palace on 12 March 1920. [4]

After demobilisation, Evans returned to his work with the NSPCC in London, including service in Hackney and Sydenham. Over a long career with the Society, he is understood to have helped more than 12,500 children. His post-war life also included public commemorative appearances with other Victoria Cross recipients, including his presentation to the Prince of Wales in Manchester in 1921. [5]

George Evans died suddenly at his home in Anerley, London, on 28 September 1937. He was buried at Elmers End Cemetery, Beckenham, Kent, with Masonic rites observed at his funeral. His medal group, including the Victoria Cross, Queen’s South Africa Medal with four clasps, 1914–15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal, and King George VI Coronation Medal, was later loaned by his family to the Imperial War Museum. [6]