THE HEADSTONE OVER THE BURIAL PLOT OF COMPANY SERGEANT MAJOR GEORGE EVANS VC IN ELMERS END CEMETERY, BECKENHAM, HAS BEEN CLEANED.
11 June 2022

Company Sergeant Major George Evans' died on the 28th September 1937 at Annerly, South East London, and was buried in the Elmers End Cemetery, Beckenham, the burial plot marked by a white headstone and white square kerbs with posts. This style of stone marker is prone to discolouration as Steve Davies discovered when beginning his task to clean the stone. After much effort by Steve the job has now been completed and the stone marker looks back to its best.



Evans' grave:
before and after


( select to enlarge)


For the award of the Victoria Cross

[ London Gazette, 30 January 1920 ], Guillemont, Somme, France, 30 July 1916, Company Sergeant Major William John George Evans, 18th Bn, Manchester Regiment

For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty during the attack at Guillemont on the 30th July 1916, when under heavy rifle 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 Serjeant 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.

George Evans was invested with his Victoria Cross by King George V at Buckingham Place on the 12th March 1920.

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Iain Stewart, 11 June 2022