Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of Griffith Parry Evans and Nellie Gertrude Evans, of Wyalong, New South Wales.

Driver Owen Richard ("Dick") Evans, third son of Mrs. N. G. Evans, ot Caernarvon, Wyalong, and of the late Mr. G. P. Evans, MLA, died at Ranau, in Borneo, on 12th August last. After a long period of anxiety, during which she waited for news of her son, the official information was conveyed to Mrs. Evans on Monday in a telegram from the Minister for the Army.

The late Driver Evans was 24 years of age. He was educated at the Mosman Preparatory School, from where he went to the Sydney Church of England Grammar School. On leaving school, he went to "Oakhurst" Pastoral Company, Wyalong, to gain experience and training, and it was his intention to settle on the land. When his brother, Lloyd, enlisted for active service early in the war, he left "Oakhurst" to manage his late father's property "Caernarvon" near Wyalong.

He was anxious to enlist in the Army, and he entered the  AIF while still very young. Drafted to the 2nd A.A.S.C. of the Eighth Division, he left with the original convoy for Malaya, where he was in front line action with his unit until the  capitulation. After a period in Changi prison camp he was sent to Borneo, and was at Sandakan prison camp until about June last, wheu he contracted malaria.  Despite the fact  that he was critically ill, he was forced to take part in the terrible march from Sandakan to Ranau, North Borneo, in which it was stated that only six Australians of the 2,000 Allied troops survived. Dick was one who by extraordinary courage and tenacity survived this terrible ordeal. However, towards the end of July he again became critically ill, and  died on 12th August.

Possessing high character and a lovable disposition, Dick was held in effectionate regard by all. He played very good football and cricket, and was an  accomplished swimmer. He learned to swim at the Spit Baths, and at Balmoral, and when he came to West Wyalong later he won the junior backstroke championship and other events.

In addition to his mother, he leaves two brothers and two sisters. They are Mr. Lloyd Evans, of "Caernarvon", and Driver Bill Evans, who is with the Ninth Division in Borneo; Mrs. John Hooworth, of North Sydney, and Mrs. Frank Low, of Cowal North, Forbes. He was a nephew of Major General G. F. Wootten, until recently G.O.C. Ninth Division, and now  Chairman of the Repatriation Commission. His father, the late Mr. G. P. Evans, MLA, died just over two years ago, and his eldest brother, Griffith, died about 11 years ago.