Harry EVANS

15 October 1915

LONG PRESTON – DEATH ON ACTIVE SERVICE

The parents of Driver Harry Evans, who joined the 7th Battery, Australian Field Artillery a year ago, have just received the sad news of his death as given in the letter below, sent from Zaherut Camp, Alexandria, 20th September:– “Madam, – I regret to announce the death of your son, Driver Evans, of this battery. He died of fever at Victoria Hospital here, and you may rest assured everything possible was done. He was buried at the Military Hospital, Chatby. Your son, in my opinion, had some of the best qualities of a soldier and his loss is keenly felt by his comrades, amongst whom he was very popular. I am sending a small parcel of personal effects.- W. Jelliquhart, Lieut., O.C., 7th Battery.”

Young Evans went to Australia about four years since to work on a sugar plantation, but joined the Army soon after the war began. He went with the Australians to Egypt and saw active service both there and in the Dardanelles. His brother, Alf, is with the Territorials in France.

On Sunday evening, at the Baptist Chapel, the service was to the memory of Driver Evans. The preacher was Mr. Stewart, of Rawdon. The Cadets, under the command of Lieut. Sharples, attended the service, and the Officer Commanding read the lessons. The chapel was full in every part. At the close Handel’s Funeral March was played.

At the Parish Church on Sunday morning touching reference was made to the death of Evans and the Dead March was played on the organ.

24 December 1915

LONG PRESTON – IN MEMORY OF THE BRAVE

In the Parish Church on Sunday morning the service was in memory of Geoffrey Taylor, lst 6th Duke of Wellington’s, who was killed on 4th December. The Cadets were present. Lieuts. Ward and Sharples read the lessons. The Rev. R. Shipman said the village had been singularly fortunate; it was more than a year since the boys were there in uniform (after the death of Capt. Preston) and some time since they went to the Baptist Chapel to pay tribute to the memory of Harry Evans. There was no distinction between the Private who served faithfully and the Field Marshal. Geoffrey Taylor was an orphan, though indeed he had found a home and a new mother in the parish, and the lad’s life there on earth had been immeasurably gladdened in that Long Preston home. A year ago last November he spoke a few words particularly to the boys. There would come a time of trial in all their lives, and some of the older ones who were with them a year ago had gone to respond to the call of a noble patriotism. He hoped no more of them would have to go, but their comradeship and training would teach them to do things which were sometimes irksome, cheerfully, and be a great help to them in forming character. They need not think that the men in the trenches liked it; they could not like it; but they were there to see it through and to hang on until the work was thoroughly done.

15 September 1916

EVANS – In loving memory of Driver Harry Evans, Australian F.A., died September 16th, 1915.

“To memory dear.”

From Father and Mother, Sisters and Brothers, Long Preston.

EVANS – In loving memory of our dear brother Harry, of the 1st A.I.F., who died September 16th, 1915, at 17th General Hospital, Alexandria.

Not found wanting
When first came the call.

From Annie and Nellie, Long Preston.

14 September 1917

EVANS – In loving memory of Dr. Harry Evans, F.A., 1st Australian Imperial Forces, who died in the 17th General Hospital, Alexandria, on September 16th 1915.

We often think of you, dear brother,
And think of how you died;
And in our lonely hours of thinking
How we wish that you were nigh.

Some may think that we forget you
When they see us smile,
But they little know the sorrow
That the smile hides all the while.

From his loving sisters Annie and Nellie.