Henry Graham Evans

Guardsman Henry Graham Evans – Welsh Guards, 1^st Battalion

Early Life

Henry Graham Evans was born in Swansea in 1917, the youngest son of Evan Evans and Agnes Sage, who had married in West Ham, Essex, in 1898.

1921 Census

In the 1921 Census, the family was recorded at 38 Ysgol Street, St Thomas, Swansea. Evan, aged 45, was employed as a Chargeman Locomotive Boiler Maker with the Great Western Railway Company, while Agnes, then 43, managed the household. Their eldest son, John Evan, aged 17, was working as an Engine Cleaner for the Great Western Railway, while his twin sister, Edith Agnes, also 17, was occupied with household duties. Both were noted as being born in Swindon. George Richard, aged 12, William Arthur, aged 9, and Kathleen May, aged 7, were all attending school, and the youngest, Henry Graham, was listed as 4 years old.

1939 Register 

By the time of the 1939 Register, Henry—recorded under the reversed name Graham Henry—was still living with his parents at 38 Ysgol Street. Evan was employed as a Locomotive Boiler Maker, Agnes continued with household duties, and Henry’s occupation was given as House Decorator.

Military Service

Henry enlisted in the Welsh Guards, 1st Battalion, during the Second World War. The battalion had been mobilised in 1939 and was heavily involved in the early stages of the war, including the British Expeditionary Force’s campaign in France and Belgium (1940) and the evacuation from Dunkirk.

By 1941, the Welsh Guards, 1st Battalion, had been reorganised for overseas service. In 1943, it formed part of the North Africa Campaign, serving under the 1^st Guards Brigade within the 78^th Infantry Division. This division played a central role in the Tunisian Campaign, fighting in difficult terrain against well-trained Axis forces. The battles were fierce, involving infantry assaults, defensive actions, and harsh desert conditions.

It was during this period of service, in February 1943, that Henry lost his life. His service with the Welsh Guards, 1^st Battalion, places him among those who fought in one of the decisive campaigns of the Second World War, which ultimately led to the surrender of Axis forces in North Africa in May 1943.

Death

On 16^th February 1943, Guardsman Henry Graham Evans died while serving with the Welsh Guards, 1^st Battalion. He was just 25 years old.

Burial

Henry Graham Evans
Danygraig Cemetery
credit - findagrave

Henry was laid to rest at Danygraig Cemetery, Swansea. His grave, maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, stands as a lasting tribute to his service and sacrifice.

Legacy

Henry’s life reflects both the story of a working-class Swansea family in the early 20th century, and the ultimate sacrifice made by so many during the Second World War. His service with the Welsh Guards, 1^st Battalion, in North Africa highlights the vital contribution of Welsh regiments to the Allied war effort. Remembered at Danygraig Cemetery, his name endures among those who gave their lives for freedom.