Howard Byron Evans – Royal Corps of Signals, 11th Armoured Divisional Signals

Driver Howard Byron Evans – Royal Corps of Signals, 11th Armoured Divisional Signals

Early Life

Born in 1907 at Swansea, Howard Byron Evans was the son of Howard Evans and Eleanora Erickstrope. His childhood unfolded within a busy, entrepreneurial household connected to Swansea’s wholesale fruit trade.

Family Life (1911 Census)

1911 Census

By the 1911 Census, the Evans family were living at 4 Melbourne Place, Swansea. Howard Evans, aged 32, Radnorshire‑born, worked as a Wholesale Fruiterer, while his wife Eleanora managed the home. Their children present were Gwyneth Eleanor (9), Hector Erickstrope (8), Walter Keith (6), Howard Byron (4), and Malcolm Christmas (3).

Family Life (1921 Census) 

1921 Census

By the 1921 Census, the Evans family were living at 5 Penmaen Terrace, Swansea, where Howard Evans, aged 43, was recorded as a Manager of a Wholesale Fruit Business, operating Howard Evans & Sons on his own account, while his wife Eleanora, aged 45, undertook household duties. Their children present were Gwyneth (20), who assisted with household duties; Hector (18), a Motor Lorry Driver employed by Howard Evans & Sons at 48 Alexandra Road; Keith (17), also a Motor Lorry Driver with the same firm; Byron (15), working as a Warehouseman in the fruit stores of Howard Evans & Sons; Walter (13), who attended school; and Mary (2), the youngest of the household, completing a family deeply involved in the operation of their own fruit‑trading business.

Marriage

In 1939, Howard married Alice M. Beauger, establishing his own household as Europe entered the Second World War.

1939 Register

1939 Register

At the time of the 1939 Register, the Evans household were living at 14 Woodlands Terrace, Swansea. Byron was employed as a Motor Lorry Driver (Heavy Worker), Alice undertook household duties, and Eleanora was recorded as a Student.

Military Service

Howard Byron Evans served as a Driver with the Royal Corps of Signals, attached to 11th Armoured Divisional Signals. His role placed him within the communications backbone of an armoured division, responsible for maintaining vital lines of communication across rapidly moving units during wartime operations.

Howard Byron Evans 
Morriston Cemetery
credit - findagrave

Death and Burial

Howard died on 6 October 1943 as a result of injuries sustained in a road traffic accident. Initially admitted to Driffield Base Hospital, his condition required transfer to Sheffield Royal Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. His body was brought home to Swansea and he was laid to rest at Morriston Cemetery, where his grave stands among the wartime burials of the district.