Army Service Corps
George James Evans is said to have been born on 3 April 1878 in Alvington, near Lydney, son of John Evans (1845-1919), a self-employed blacksmith, and Harriett Evans (formerly Jones) (1847- 1911). The family home was Knapp Cottage, Alvington.
George James Evans attested at Lydney, initially for the Gloucestershire Regiment, on 9 August 1915 but was assigned to the Army Service Corps, joining at Aldershot on 13 August 1915.
At attestation his age was erroneously stated as 35 years, he was unmarried, and his occupation was given as ‘baker’ although he is usually found as being employed as a general labourer.
He served in France from 19 February 1916 to 20 June 1916 with 3rd Cavalry Supply Column. He suffered with bouts of pleurisy which necessitated his return to England. He was discharged at Catterick, Yorkshire on 23 September 1916 as being unfit for further service. His discharge document stated that his military character was ‘good’, and that he was a ‘good packer and loader’. He was issued with a Silver War Badge for services rendered, and he was also entitled to the British War Medal and Victory Medal which he did not survive to receive. His respiratory problems persisted, although TB tests proved negative, and further medical boards found his incapacity to be permanent and 100%.
George James Evans died at Knapp Cottage, Alvington and was interred in the family grave at Alvington (St Andrew) Churchyard. His resting place is marked by a private, traditional style, Forest stone headstone with the dedication inscribed to him and his parents. According to the inscription on the headstone death occurred on 27 July 1919, at the age of 46, yet the CWGC Register states it to be 31 July 1919. Also, according to the burial register his age was 41, which ties in with birth records. Possibly the inscriber of the headstone simply made a mistake.
Researched by Eric Nicholls 4 October 2019