Richard Evans

 

Richard Evans
Bethel Welsh Congregational Chapelyard
credit - findagrave

In February 1919, and a long away from his home, Richard Evans died.

Private Richard Evans served with the Canadian Infantry, 52^nd Battalion died on 26^th February, was the third military burial at Bethel Welsh Congregational Chapelyard after the Armistice, of 1918.

Two records record Richard’s date of birth. The first Richard’s Attestation Papers, at the time of Richard’s enlistment, on 20^th April 1916, as October 5^th, 1899, and the Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force Papers records his date of birth as October 5^th, 1889.   Richard’s home was Glen Ewen, Saskatchewan.  So, which of the records is correct?

Glen Ewen, Saskatchewan

Glen Ewen, Saskatchewan, was founded in 1905, by a rail worker and its first postmaster, Thomas Ewen.  The village is located on the Canadian Pacific Railway, and nearby towns are Carnduff and Oxbow.

Richard born 1889 was the son of Thomas and Elizabeth Evans.

1891 Census records, the couple and family are residing at No.4 Cae Bank, Sketty.  Thomas, 26 is employed as a Furnace Man in the Copper Works. Elizabeth 26.  Also, their three children, Richard, 3, Mary A., 1, and 2-month-old Thomas.

1891 Census

It wouldn’t be until the 1911 Census, records that the family are still living at Cae Bank, Sketty.

1911 Census

Thomas, 47, is employed Warehouseman in Copper Works. Elizabeth, 47.  Children Richard, 24, who is employed as a Charge Wheeler in Cooper Works; Mary An, 21, who is a Market Gardener Shop Assistant; Thomas, 20, who is employed as a Mill Worker in Cooper Works; Gladys, 19; Mabel, 15; Lillian, 13 and Winifred, 10.  Also present is boarder widower Thomas Street, 71, who is a Night Watchman in Brick Works.

After emigrating to Canada, Richard settled in Glen Ewen, where Richard becames a Farmer.

Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force Papers 

Attestation Papers

He enlisted on 20^th April 1916, and he named his father, Thomas, as next of kin.  He served with the 52^nd Battalion.  The battalion was raised in 1914 and saw action in the major conflicts of the First World War, before being disbanded in April 1920.

Granville Canadian Specialist Hospital
Buxton

Richard died at Granville Canadian Specialist Hospital, Buxton, Derbyshire.

His body was brought back to Swansea for burial at Bethel Welsh Congregational Chapelyard, his grave doesn’t have a military headstone.