Serjeant 17245 Robert George Evans (MM)

• Age: 22
• From: Toxteth Liverpool
• Regiment: 4TH KINGS
• Died on Thursday 24th October 1918
• Commemorated at: Forest Cc
  Panel Ref: B.46

Robert George was born on 03rd April 1896 and was baptized at St. Cleopas 3^rd April 1896 the son of Robert Evans and his wife Clara (nee Loundes) who married in St. Cleopas Church, Toxteth on 21st February 1894. His father Robert was born in Liverpool and his occupation is shown as a Seaman. His mother Clara was born in Crewe.  

He was the eldest of five children, his siblings were, William, Edna, Clara, David.

The Census of 1901 shows the family are living  at 32 Hurry Street, Toxteth Park. His father, Robert, is aged 27, and a mate on a ship, his mother Clara is also 27. Their  children  were all born Liverpool and are listed as; Robert G. 4, William 3, Edna 4 months. 

By 1911 the family are living at 467 Mill Street, Liverpool, Toxteth Park. His father Robert  is now shown as aged 38, a seaman for LNW Railway, mother Clara  is also 38. Their children are listed as;  Robert G. 14 an office boy, William 12 at school, Edna 10 at school, Clara 8 at school, David 5 at school.

Robert George enlisted at St George's Hall on 4^th September 1914 joining the 18th Battalion as Private 17245.  He gave his age as 19 years 150 days, occupation clerk, height 5' 4", weight 118lbs, chest 36",  with a fresh complexion, blue eyes and dark brown hair. His religion is stated as Church of England and his next of kin given as his father Robert 9 Ancaster Rd, Aigburth. 

He served overseas with his Pals from 07th November 1915.

His service records show the following;

He had been transferred to the 4th Battalion of the King's Liverpool Regiment, and had reached the rank of Serjeant. Whilst serving with the 4th Battalion he was awarded the Military medal for his bravery.

The action is described below: 

Awarded the Military Medal for bravery in action on 10^th October 1918 when he swam across a river to rescue a wounded friend despite heavy machine gun fire.

Shortly after this act of selfless heroism, Robert George was badly wounded on 23^rd October 1918 when he was hit in three places by shrapnel whilst attacking a village near La Forest. He died from wounds the following day, aged 22.

Robert George now rests at Forest Communal Cemetery in France.

There are now over 100, 1914-18 war casualties commemorated in this site. Of these, a small number are unidentified. All fell in October and November 1918, in the clearing of Forest and the surrounding country. They were buried by the 17th, 33rd and 38th (Welsh) Divisions. Thirteen German graves of October and November 1918, were later removed from the cemetery.

Liverpool Post and Mercury, 09^th November 1918 recorded:

"Son of Captain and Mrs. Evans, 9 Ancaster Road, ‘our hero’, late Pals. Recommended for distinguished conduct in the field, died of wounds".