In memory of William Jones-Evans
William Jones-Evans was born in Llangynidr, near Crickhowell, to William and Zillah Evans (nee Jones). His father, also named William, was minister of Sardis Baptist chapel in the village. His maternal grandmother and aunt lived at Oaklands, Llangynidr.
William began his education at Llangynidr Elementary School. He continued at Risca Intermediate School and Pontywaun County School after his family moved to Cross Keys, where his father had a new post at Hope Baptist chapel. After his schooling, William became an apprentice to a Newport chemist. After completing the apprenticeship, he entered the Medical School in Cardiff.
The outbreak of war led to an urgent need for more doctors. William broke off his degree course, intending to return to it after the war, and obtained diplomas with the Royal College of Physicians and Royal College of Surgeons.
He served in the Royal Army Medical Corps, where he impressed his comrades and was promoted to Captain. One of his fellow officers offered him a post at his large doctors’ practice in Plymouth after the war, but he never had the chance to take up the offer or to marry his fiancée, Mabel Russell Benson.
On 13 August he was hit in the back of the head by a shell fragment while in a dugout in the trenches near Ypres, Belgium. He was taken to a dressing station where his comrades tried to save his life. He never regained consciousness and died about 90 minutes after being wounded. He was 27 years old. He is buried at Vlamertinghe New Military Cemetery, west of Ypres.
William’s cousins Frank and Percy Powell-Jones also died in the war.
Return to Crickhowell war memorial page
Return to Risca war memorial page
Return to Pontywaun school war memorial page
