Thomas Evanson

Thomas Evanson

Personal Details

Born in Whitchurch in 1883, the second son of William and Louisa Evanson of 44 Smallbrook Road, Whitchurch.

Military Details

Regiment : 16th (Service) Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers, formerly King’s Shropshire Light Infantry (25247)
Rank : Private
Service Number : 56451

Killed in Action; France 22nd April 1918 Age 35

Medals and Awards
Thomas was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Allied Victory Medal).

Campaign Medals


Great War History Hub Whitchurch Shropshire Medals Front Image

The British War Medal (also known as 'Squeak') was a silver or bronze medal awarded to officers and men of the British and Imperial Forces who either entered a theatre of war or entered service overseas between 5th August 1914 and 11th November 1918 inclusive. This was later extended to services in Russia, Siberia and some other areas in 1919 and 1920. Approximately 6.5 million British War Medals were issued. Approximately 6.4 million of these were the silver versions of this medal. Around 110,000 of a bronze version were issued mainly to Chinese, Maltese and Indian Labour Corps. The front (obv or obverse) of the medal depicts the head of George V. The recipient's service number, rank, name and unit was impressed on the rim.

The Allied Victory Medal (also known as 'Wilfred') was issued by each of the allies. It was decided that each of the allies should each issue their own bronze victory medal with a similar design, similar equivalent wording and identical ribbon. The British medal was designed by W. McMillan. The front depicts a winged classical figure representing victory. Approximately 5.7 million victory medals were issued. Interestingly, eligibility for this medal was more restrictive and not everyone who received the British War Medal ('Squeak') also received the Victory Medal ('Wilfred'). However, in general, all recipients of 'Wilfred' also received 'Squeak' and all recipients of The 1914 Star or The 1914/1915 Star (also known as 'Pip') also received both 'Squeak' and 'Wilfred'. The recipient's service number, rank, name and unit was impressed on the rim.



Further Information

Will of Thomas Evanson
Evanson, Thomas of 44 West-end Whitchurch Shropshire private Royal Welsh Fusiliers died 22 April 1918 in France Probate Shrewsbury 10 July to George Porter labourer. Effects £146 9s. 8d.

Taken from Forces War Records


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Information provided by Terry Evanson Whitchurch, Shropshire and Whitchurch Museum and Archives


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