George Evans was born in 1898 at Oswestry. He was the eldest son Edwin Evans – neither his father nor mother can be found in census records but by 1917 they were living at Croeswylan Cottage, Weston Lane. In the 1901 census he was possibly living with his grandfather at Trefonen but by 1911 was living with his aunt and uncle Elizabeth and John Hatton in Macclesfield. His uncle was publican at the Puss in Boots on Buxton Road. He went to school at Mill Street Wesleyan Day School, Macclesfield and afterwards served an apprenticeship as a butcher working for Mr & Mrs Etchells again on Mill Street. George was a chorister at St Paul’s church and a member of the congregation.

George joined the Cheshire Regiment at Macclesfield in November 1916 and was posted to 13 Battalion. He was stationed at Park Hall Camp and had been given home leave just before going over to France in May 1917).  He died of wounds on 7 June after only 3 weeks active service, he was aged 19. The day before he had sent a card to his employers, the Etchells, saying that all was well, he was dead before the card arrived. He was wounded at Messines Ridge during  Third Ypres and died at a casualty clearing station at Bailleul. He is buried in Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension. He is also commemorated on war memorials in Macclesfield at Park Green, the Town Hall and St Paul’s and St Michael’s churches and is on the Regimental Roll of Honour at Chester Cathedral.

His brother, Pte WA Evans also served, in the Welsh Regiment. On 18 April 1918 he was admitted to Wimereux Hospital suffering from gas wounds. Before enlisting he had worked in the canteens at Park Hall Camp – possibly when his brother was stationed there – likewise Private 315983 James RT Beckett.

Regimental Roll of Honour Chester Cathedral

Macclesfield War Memorial. Private 202036 George Evans.

Acknowledgements. link to Maccelsfield War Memorials

References and Sources

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