David Edward Evans – Welsh Regiment, 9th Battalion

Private David Edward Evans – Welsh Regiment, 9th Battalion

Early Life

David Edward Evans was born in 1894, in Morriston, the son of Evan Evans and Margaret Ann Williams.

1901 Census – Living with Grandparents

1901 Census

In 1901, David was living in the household of his grandparents at Llansamlet Higher. His grandfather, David John, aged 55 and originally from Pembrokeshire, worked as a Coal Miner Hewer, while his wife Annie, aged 52, oversaw the home. Their adult sons, Morris (24)—a coal miner working below ground—and Jenkin (20)—also a coal miner hewer—were still living with them. Three grandchildren were present: David (7), Mary Ann (4), and Richard (2). The household also included a young servant, Rachel Bevan, aged 16. This census paints a picture of a busy, multi‑generational mining family typical of the Llansamlet district at the turn of the century.

1911 Census – Returned to His Parents

1911 Census

By 1911, David had returned to live with his parents at Tawe House, Caemawr, Morriston. His father Evan, aged 43, was employed as a tin‑worker (Worcester tinman), while his mother Margaret Ann, also 43, managed the household. David, now 17, was working locally as a tin‑worker, following his father into the trade. His younger brother Saunders, aged 13, was still in school. Also living with the family were Margaret Ann’s sisters, Lizzie Williams (22) and Edith Williams (18), adding to the busy household typical of Morriston’s industrial communities.

Service Records

Military Service

In January 1915, David enlisted as a Private in the Welsh Regiment, 9th Battalion. His period of service was short‑lived; in August 1916, he was discharged as no longer physically fit for war service, a fate shared by many who suffered illness or injury during the harsh conditions of wartime training and deployment.

David Edward Evans
Morriston Cemetery
credit - findagrave

Death and Burial

David Edward Evans died on 10 September 1917, aged just 23. He was buried at Morriston Cemetery, where his grave stands among the earliest First World War military burials.