Pte 16652 Samuel Evans

• Age: 27
• From: Everton, Liverpool
• Regiment: The King's (Liverpool Regiment) 18th Btn
• K.I.A Monday 17th January 1916
• Commemorated at: Carnoy Mil Cem
  Panel Ref: P.12

Samuel Evans was born on the 06th December 1888 in Everton, Liverpool, the son of James Evans and his wife Elizabeth (née Gaines) who were married in the 01st August 1880 at St Peter's Church, Liverpool. James was a 23 year old iron dresser of 98 Cornwall Street, father John a butcher, whilst Elizabeth was aged 22 of 16 India Street, father Samuel a cordwainer(shoe maker). James was born in Dublin and Elizabeth was born in Liverpool. Samuel was baptised on the 19th December 1888 also at St Peter's Church.  

In 1891 the family lived at 63 Radcliffe Street, Liverpool. They are recorded as Evanse. His father, James, is a 33 year old iron dresser, born in Dublin, whilst his mother, Elizabeth, is also 33 and was born in Everton, Liverpool. Samuel is 2 years of age and has five siblings, all born in Everton, in the household; Robert J. is 9, Annie F. 8, James J. 7, David 4 and new born Elizabeth. The family also have a boarder.

The 1901 Census shows the family have moved and are living at 22 Fairy Street. His father, James, is now 43 and an iron and steel dresser, His mother, Elizabeth, is also 43. Samuel is 12 years of age and has ten siblings in the household;  Robert a 19 year old plumbers apprentice, Annie is 18 but has no occupation listed, James is a 17 year old grocer's porter, David is 14 and a stationer's shop boy, Elizabeth is 10, Lilian 8, John 7, Ellen 4,  Jessie 2 and Kathleen is 1.

The 1911 Census shows the family have moved again to 3 Monastery Road, Clubmoor, Liverpool. Samuel is now aged 22 and is a plumber, living with both of his parents, who state that they have been married for 30 years and have had 12 children, two of whom have sadly died. Seven of the children are still at home; Annie 28, James a 27 year old grocer's assistant, Elizabeth a 20 year old photographer, Lilian an 18 year old dressmaker, John a 17 year old plumber's apprentice, Ellen is 14 and Jessie aged 12 is a scholar. The family also have one boarder listed in the household. 

On 02^nd September 1914, Samuel enlisted in the 18^th Battalion of The King’s Liverpool Regiment at St George's Hall, Liverpool as Private 16652, giving his age as 25 years 278 days and his occupation as a clerk. He was described as being 5' 8" inches tall, weighed 128 lbs, with a 36" chest. He had a sallow complexion, with hazel eyes and fair hair. His next of kin was his father James John Evans of  3 Monastery Road, Anfield, and he stated his religion as Congregationalist. 

From the 23^rd September 1914 he was billeted at Hooton Park Race Course and remained there until 03^rd December 1914 when they moved into the hutted accommodation at Lord Derby’s estate at Knowsley Hall. On 30th April 1915 the 18th Battalion alongside the other three Pals battalions left Liverpool via Prescot Station for further training at Belton Park, Grantham. They remained here until September 1915 when they reached Larkhill Camp on Salisbury Plain. He arrived in France on 7^th November 1915.

He was killed in action at 2.30 a.m. on the 17th January 1916, aged 27.

Reverend W. A. Warner, attached to 21^st Infantry Brigade, officiated at his burial in Carnoy Cemetery, Grave P 12, France where Samuel now rests.

The cemetery was begun in August 1915, by the 2nd King's Own Scottish Borderers and the 2nd King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, when the village was immediately South of the British front line. It continued in use by troops holding this sector until July 1916, when Field Ambulances came up and a camp was established on the higher ground North of the village. It was closed in March 1917. From March to August 1918, it was in German hands, and German (and a few British) graves were made between the British graves and the entrance, and also in a German Cemetery alongside; but the German graves and the German Cemetery were removed in 1924.

There are now over 850, 1914-18 war casualties commemorated in this site. Of these, nearly 30 are unidentified and special memorials are erected to 17 soldiers and one airman from the United Kingdom, known or believed to be buried among them.

The cemetery covers an area of 4,441 square metres and is enclosed by a red brick wall.

His death was reported in the Liverpool Echo on 28th January 1916

EVANS - January 17, killed in action, aged 27 years, Private Samuel Evans (2nd Battalion Liverpool "Pals"), fourth son of Mr and Mrs Evans, 127 Domingo Vale (late of Monastery Road.)

His parents and family had moved to 127 St Domingo Vale, Everton, and his effects, which included 2 French books, a hymn book, 1 packet of correspondence, a leather purse, 2 buttons,  a jack knife, one spoon, one cap badge, a pair of scissors, a collar stud, a bottle of saline(?), and toothpaste, were sent to his father at that address, after he had written to the War Office to confirm his relationship and inform them that he was “recently of 3 Monastery Road.

Soldiers Effects, army pay £2 8s 8d, War Gratuity of £5-10s, and Pension to mother Elizabeth.

Samuel earned his 3 medals.

The 1921 census shows the family was still living at 127 St Domingo Vale, Everton, however, his mother, Elizabeth, died aged 63, shortly afterwards.

His father, died aged 70, on the 24th May 1928. 

Probate was granted in Liverpool on 11th June 1928:-

EVANS James of 127 St Domingo Vale Liverpool died 24 May 1928 Administration Liverpool 11 June to Robert James Evans plumber. Effects £434 18s 4d. 

Samuel is commemorated in the Hall of Remembrance, Liverpool Town Hall, Panel 47 Right.

We currently have no further information on Samuel Evans. If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.