James Evans
This is the memorial page for James Evans, native of Ystalyfera, killed during the First World War.
The information on James Evans comes principally from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, from the Labour Voice newspaper, and the Parish Burial Register (courtesy of the Swansea Archives).
| Name | James Evans |
| Date of Death | 10th September 1922 |
| Place of Death | |
| Age at Death | 30 |
| Unit and Regiment | Third Welsh Regiment (Discharged 29th March 1919) |
| Rank | Private |
| Service Number | |
| Additional Information | Born Ystalyfera 1892. Son of Thomas EVANS (Born Ystalyfera 1871, Ironmongers Haulier) and Sarah EVANS nee WILLIAMS (Born Aberdare 1870)*. Prior to War Worked as a Collier Hewer residing at 4 Canal Terrace Ystalyfera. Buried 14th September 1922 with Semi Military Honours. |
| Cemetery | Holy Trinity Churchyard |
| Local Memorials | Ystalyfera War Memorial |
| Family Details | Married Annie Mary EVANS nee JENKINS in 1910. Children: Son: William Trevor EVANS Born 1910, and Son: James EVANS |
| Known Brothers | William John (Born Aberdare 1891) Collier Hewer Tom EVANS (Born Aberdare 1894) Colliers Assistant Hewer Phillip EVANS (Born Aberdare 1896) Collier Assistant Hewer Peter EVANS (Born Aberdare 1898) Herbert K EVANS (Born 1901) |
| Known Sisters |
From the Labour Voice newspaper, 6th November 1915:-
Private Jim Evans of the 2nd Welsh, whose home is at Canal Terrace, is again reported missing. Private Evans, who is the son of Mr Tom Evans haulier for Messrs D Lloyd and Sons, was away from his regiment for some time recently and then it was stated that he was engaged on special work and was safe and well. Now however, no satisfactory information whatever concerning his whereabouts is forthcoming and this is causing great anxiety to his relatives, who are beginning to fear the worst.
From the Labour Voice newspaper, 16h September 1922 :-
WAR HERO’S FUNERAL
SEMI MILITARY HONOURS AT YSTALYFERA
With semi military honours the funeral took place at Holy Trinity Churchyard, on Thursday of Mr. James Evans of 27 Canal Terrace Ystalyfera.
Evans was a 1915 volunteer and he died at Craig y Nos Tuberculosis Sanatorium on Sunday last. He enlisted on 14th April 1915, in the Third Welsh Regiment and was wounded in action, receiving a bullet wound in the right shoulder, being taken prisoner by the Germans on the same day, September 26th 1915. He was medically treated by the Germans for tuberculosis and wounds until August 1916. He was repatriated then to Switzerland until November 1918, when he returned to Redcar, and discharged finally on March 29th 1919. He returned home completely unfit for work, and was sent to Talgarth Sanatorium, in which he remained for 18 months, and was discharged as incurable in March 1922. Since that time and up to three weeks ago he lived at home with his parents and was sent for treatment to the new sanatorium at Craig y Nos, passing away on Sunday. There are left two children, both boys.
The local branch of the British Legion have taken up the case to see that justice is done in the way of providing for the children, and also that the military authorities should bear the cost of the funeral entirely. The Ministry of Pensions refused a military funeral for reasons which are not quite clear, and that was the reason for the arrangement of the semi military funeral.
At their meeting on Tuesday evening, the local branch of the British Legion (Mr. W. G. Rees presiding) passed a resolution of condolence with the relatives, all the members standing, it being decided also to send a wreath.
The service at the house was performed by the Rev J. Secundus Jones, Vicar of Ystalyfera, assisted by the Rev John Thomas Gurnos and they also officiated at the graveside.
The mourners were: Mr. Thomas Evans father; Mr. James Evans and Mr. Wm Evans sons; Mr. Sidney Pitman; Mr. Wm John Evans; Mr. Thos Evans; Mr. James Joshua; Mr Phillip Evans uncles; …………..
Three Scout buglers were also in attendance and sounded the “Last Post” at the graveside and the coffin was draped in the “Union Jack”.
Beautiful floral tributes included wreaths from the following: Father and Mother and family; Mrs Esther Evans grandmother; Neighbours and Friends; and Friends. There was also a wreath from the British Legion..