Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Before the war:

George Evans enlisted as a 31-year-old and was born in Hawker, South Australia. At the time of enlistment he lived in Morgan, South Australia. He worked as a labourer before enlisting in the war. He grew up with his brothers and mother. His mother’s name was H C Evans, and brothers' names were Sergeant William Richard Evans and Corporal James Herbert Evans. He and his brothers all enlisted in the war and all returned to Australia around the same time. He and his family all were a part of the Church of England. Before entering the war, he was not married and did not have any children. Before entering the war, George had no military experience, therefore, he may have found it difficult to fight during tough conditions.

During the war:  

George Evans enlisted in the War in the on the 14th of August 1915 in Adelaide South Australia. He was one of the members of the 10th Battalion. He embarked on HMAT Borda A30 to a training camp in Alexandria Egypt based around Cairo. It is unknown when this ship arrived in Alexandria. This training camp was called Zeitoun. Zeitoun was a training camp used to train and house British soldiers and allies during the World War.

On the 29th of February 1916 George was taken on strength to the 50th Battalion from Egypt as part of the strengthening of the Australian Imperial Force. George joined new recruits from Australia and previous recruits such as himself from the 10th Battalion. This Battalion was largely composed of men born in South Australia or lived there. His Battalion became a part of the 13th Brigade.

From the months February to July of 1916, George remained in Egypt, even tbough the rest of his battalion left for France in late March, This was because of a foot injury which did not allow him to leave Egypt until August 1916. He travelled to England, where he spent the remainder of 1916 and all of 1917 and 1918 either in hospital with various ailments or on service in training camps. He was fortunate enough never to see a shot fired in anger.

On the 9th of December 1918, George completed his service in the war and returned to Australia due to toe and foot problems. He spent an overall 3 years and 278 days in service for Australia.

After the war:

After George returned to Australia, he did receive two war medals. He earned the British War Medal which is awarded to “men who entered theatres of war during specified periods or left places of residence and rendered approved service overseas”. He also earned the Victory War Medal. This medal was awarded to the allies as they won the war.

Bibliography 

Australian War Memorial Website
https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/U51490

Virtual war memorial website
https://vwma.org.au/explore/projects/41409/edit

Australian war memorial website
https://vwma.org.au/explore/projects/41409/edit

Attack on Noreuil
https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/E84290

AIF PROJECT
https://www.aif.adfa.edu.au/search

AWM - Unit Diary
https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/awm4/

Australian Defence Website

https://www.defence.gov.au/Medals/Imperial/WWI/British-War-Medal-1914-20.asp

https://www.defence.gov.au/Medals/Imperial/WWI/Victory-Medal.asp