Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Evan enlisted for service in WW1 on 29 Apr 1916 with the 9th Infantry Brigade, 33rd Infantry Battalion, 3rd Reinforcements. He was an 18 year old groom at the time of enlistment and listed his father as his next of kin.

Evan was killed in action on 17 Oct 1917 and his name is listed on the Menin Gate in Belgium, as well as on Panel 122 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.

Evan's British War Medal and Victory Medal were given to his father.

During his service Evan was AWOL for a couple of weeks between 10 Jul 1916 and 24 Jul 1916, losing a fortnight's pay plus a £1 fine.

LETTER TO BASE RECORDS OFFICE MELBOURNE FROM MOTHER LOUISA KELLY. July 24 1917 To change my address
Sir,

If cable should come, I was living 43 Paddington Street, Paddington, NSW, when my lad sailed he enlisted Bingara trained at Rutherford Camp, Maitland, he was a private Evan John Kelly in 3rd. 33 Battalion 9th Brigade. His No 2196 he was 18 years of age. After he went in camp, his father signed the papers, he was 19 years on 6th last May and he sailed from Sydney last 24th August on troopship Anchisis, A51. I dont know if I spelt the name rightly or whether it is Anchicis , but Sir you will know, and now my address is Louise Kelly or his fathers Evan John Kelly, Post Office Fettler, Ravensworth, via Singleton. It will not make any difference which it be addressed to as you'll know we are always anxiously waiting not always expecting bad news. I had my address altered from Tamworth to here for my other lad at the front 28th of May last it was ... very resp.. sir,

Louisa Kelly

LETTER FROM EVAN JOHN KELLY (FATHER). "Glen Ourimbah," Newcastle NSW. 15 May 1919  To the Record Barracks, Melbourne

Sir,

In reference to our son Pte Evan John Kelly 3rd of 33 Battalion NSW 2196, he was killed in Ypres on October 17 1917, we so far have not received a token, treasure or any belonings of his at all. Poor dear lad. I dont why, but as you will understand such of any kind would be a great treasure. If it was only his prayer book, rosary beads, wristlet watch or anything of his belongings as it is now going on for 2 years. I would be very thankful to get a reply and to know if there is anything for me of my boy. I may be one of the thousands of the belongings have never came, but there is no harm done in writing to ask, as it is very hard on a mother and father to have to do, but I hope that there is his belongings as was stated be forwarded on as soon as arrived but so far they have not come. Hoping please to get an early reply. Yours resp. Both Father and Mother to the lad.

Evan J Kelly (Stamped May 19 1919)

Letter from Annie S Perkins, dated 1967, who was a niece of Evan's, requesting to know date of birth, when and where Evan died and if any medals were given to her grandfather.

Evan's Parents were Evan John KELLY (James KELLY, Arthur KELLY (CONVICT), Christopher) was born on 12 Mar 1875 in Pillya, NSW, Australia. He died on 20 Sep 1934 in Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia. He was buried on 22 Sep 1934 in Randwick Cemetery.

Evan and Letitia were married 'according to law'

Cause of death of Evan, was Tertiary Syphilis, Syphilitic Aortitis, Aneurism of Aorta (Thoracic), Broncho Pneumonia (Terminal)and is buried in the Catholic section of the cemetery, the informant, Andrew Kelly, son, gave Evan's father as John Kelly, butcher, and Evan's occupation as a Ganger with the Railways.

Evan married (1) Letitia Ellen BARKER on 13 Feb 1896 in Newtown, Narrabri, NSW, Australia. Letitia was born in 1875 in Alexandria, Victoria, Australia. She died on 19 Nov 1903 in Narrabri, NSW, Australia. She was buried on 20 Nov 1903 in Narrabri Cemetery.

Marriage certificate gives father as Ambrose Barker (source marriage cert.) Was recorded as Ellen when she died, of Bronchitis, for 1 month and Asthma for 25 years, she is buried in the Catholic section of the cemetery and has no headstone, her parents were Anthony Barker and Annie Jones .(source death cert.)

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"WAR CASUALTIES.

Mr. E. J. Kelly, of Ravensworth, has been advised, through the Right Rev. Dr. Meagher, that his son, Private E. J. Kelly, of 34th Battalion, died of wounds on October 17th. The deceased soldier, who enlisted at Bingara in April, 1916, was 19 years of age, and had been fighting in France for some months. Private Kelly was a fine stamp of Australian, being 6ft. 3in. in height. A brother is in the Field Artillery in France." - from the Singleton Argus 15 Nov 1917 (nla.gov.au)