In memory of Richard Evans
Richard Evans was born on 16 March 1870, writes his grandson Richard Evans. He was the youngest child of Rhyl's former Registrar Sylvanus Parry Evans and his wife Mary Anne Evans (née Edwards).
Richard was 44 years old with a wife and seven children, and living at 19 Kinmel Street, when he enlisted in the North Wales Battalion (Rhyl) of the Royal Welch Fusiliers at Rhyl on Monday 2 November 1914. This Battalion became the 13th (Service) Battalion Royal Welch Fusiliers. The family were staunch members of the Queen Street Congregational Chapel.
Following initial training at Llandudno, the Battalion moved to Winchester in June 1915. While there the Battalion became part of the 113th Brigade of the 38th Division. On arrival in France in December 1915, the Division was posted to the Leventie sector and received instructions in trench duties from the Guards Division. The system of relief was four days in the trenches and four days out. Bethune, the principal town, was the social centre for troops on relief.
On Monday 5 March 1916, Fusilier Richard Evans (16950) was shot by a sniper whilst on trench duties. He died about half an hour later.
He is buried at Guards Cemetery at Windy Corner, Cuinchy, France. In March 1999, I was proud to be able to visit his grave and lay flowers in honour of his sacrifice.
A report of his death was printed in the Rhyl Journal on the 18 March 1916. I have a copy of probably his last letter home, thanking his relatives and the chapel members for the gifts they had sent out. I also have a copy of the condolence letter to my great grandmother from his platoon commander, 2nd Lt. Vivian Jones (who was killed a few weeks later).
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