EVANS, Arthur Walter
Primary tabs
Rank:
Sergeant (later Lieutenant)
Unit / Base:
3 Commando
Prior Police Service:
Metropolitan Police
Regiment/Corps:
Royal Fusiliers
Royal Army Ordnance Corps
Service:
Army
Number:
2045969
Honours & Awards:
Born:
Monday, December 29, 1919
Died:
1982
Place died:
Devon
Service Nos: 2045969 [1a] ; 22960736 [4] ; 439708 [4][5].
Lance Sergeant Arthur Evans, 6 Troop, was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during operations in Normandy, France [1][1a][6]. He had previously served in operations at Termoli, Italy (Operation Devon) [6][8].
Recommendation
On 8 June '44 the enemy attacked in force and the troop position was threatened. L/Sgt. Evans seeing that his officer had become a casualty, took over control of the whole section of 30 men and counter attacked with such determination that fifteen of the enemy were killed and forty prisoners were taken. Later on in the day, his troop being in an exposed position came under very heavy shelling. Some of the trenches were blown in and became unusable.
L/Sgt. Evans with complete disregard for personal safety left his slit trench to go round his section encouraging the men. By this fine example and devotion to duty he maintained the fighting spirit of his men at a very high level and has demonstrated time and again throughout the campaign his resourcefulness and bravery. [Recommended by Lt Col Peter Young OC No.3 Cdo] [1a].
Summary
- Arthur Evans was a Metropolitan Police Officer before the war [2][3][6][8].
- 24 April 1939 joined the Metropolitan Police (warrant no.127699) [2].
22 July 1942 joined the Armed Forces, volunteering from the Police [2]. - Attached to No.3 Commando [1a][7].
- 26 September 1945 re-joined the Metropolitan Police [2].
- 22 September 1950 resigned voluntarily from Police Service [2].
- Second service number indicates he re-enlisted into the Armed Forces after July 1951[9].
- 22 January 1955 commissioned Second Lieutenant [4][4a].
- 22 January 1963 (Lieutenant) (Royal Army Ordnance Corps) relinquishes commission on completion of service [5].
-
Arthur was a member of the Commando Association residing at the time of his death in North Tawton, Devon [7][7a].
Sources
[1] London Gazette 36961, page 1181.
[1a] Award Recommendations / National Archives file WO373/52/238.
[2] Tony Moore, FRHistS. and Police Historian.
[3] The 1939 Register covering Upper Richmond Road Police Section House, Wandsworth.
[3] The 1939 Register covering Upper Richmond Road Police Section House, Wandsworth.
[4] London Gazette 40434, page1708.
[4a] Commando Association newsletters 21 (1955).
[5] London Gazette 42899, page 702.
[6] Storm from the Sea, author Brig Peter Young.
[7] Commando Association newsletter 71 (1980) and Obituaries in newsletter 76 (1983).
[7a] Registers of Deaths 3rd quarter 1982 Okehampton, Devon.
[8] Jack Cox's account of the operation at Termoli where he is mentioned (linked content below).
[9] Corps of Military Police search tool for Army Service Numbers.
Notes
- London Gazette does not give a service number. Entry shows 'Tetburn' after his award.
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