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Evans, William David Douglas

Service number:
1036335
Nationality:
British (1801-present, Kingdom)

Biography

Promotions:
November 4th, 1939: 2nd Lieutenant, Welsh Guards

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Temporary Major
Unit:
Welsh Guards
Awarded on:
May 10th, 1945
Recommendation:
“At Le Bas Perrier on 12 August 1944 this officer was in command 4 Coy, 1 Welsh Guards. His objective was a cross tracks very difficult to find. This objective he captured and consolidated after opposition had been overcome, in spite of being under MG fire and shelling. His cooperation with the tks in support was excellent.
Later he had to withdraw his Coy from close contact with the enemy to consolidate in the Bn area, and this he did unsupported in the dark finding his correct position in that area in spite of very difficult country and blocked tracks. This action lasted from 0715 hrs on 12 Aug 44 - 0200 hrs on 13 Aug 44.
All next day he continued to organise his Company defensive area and his conduct throughout was an example to all.”
Mentioned in Dispatches
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Temporary Major
Unit:
Welsh Guards
Awarded on:
May 10th, 1945
Military Cross (MC)
Recommendation:
“This offr. has been in 4 Coy throughout the campaign, first as Coy 2-in-Comd and then, after his Coy. Comd was killed at Cagney on 22 Jul. 44, as Coy Comd. He has not missed a single action, and is an outstandingly able, courageous and determined Coy Comd as a few examples will show.
At Montchamp on 4 Aug. 44 his Coy had just reached their objective. Then before they had a chance to dig-in they were counter attacked by German tks and infantry, his leading P1 was cut off and the light was failing: however he personally went forward under fire to what remained of the P1 and brought them back, with the greatest difficulty, to the Coy Area, which successfully reorganised for the night.
Le Bas Berrier on 12 Aug 44, his Coy objective was only reached after overcoming very hy opposition from MG fire and tks dug into houses. His Coy was also under hy shelling from the SL onwards which caused severe casualties. It was entirely due to his courage and determination and his ability to be here, there and everywhere that his Coy accomplished what looked like an impossible task: He himself stalked and shot three enemy snipers on that day who were harassing his Coy.
At Heltcheren of 7 Sept 44 his Coy held the village though continually attacked by SS troops and under heavy mortar fire for 24 hrs, and having handed over to another unit, were launched straight into the attack at Hechtel where this officer again led his Coy with the greatest ability under extremely difficult circumstances. After two most unpleasant days he was the first to reach his objective. In the final attack during which, when leading his company, he was fired on by a spandau at point blank range but by some miracle he was not hit. He has the complete confidence and devotion of his men and, whatever the circumstances, remains calm and undaunted, his example throughout the campaign has been magnificent, far beyond the call of duty, and he is beyond question quite unsurpassed as a Coy Comd: it is impossible to say too much praise.”

Sources

  • - Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 34768 published on the 5 January 1940
    - Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 37072 published on the 8 May 1945
    - Morton and Eden

Photo