William Cyril Evans, known as Cyril, was born on April 30, 1896, to parents John and Mary Jane. He was baptized on June 17, 1896, in Llangunllo, Radnorshire where his father worked as the station master. By 1901, the family had moved to Station House in Clungunford, Shropshire, where Cyril lived with his parents and seven siblings.

In 1911, the family relocated to Station House in Garth, Breconshire. At the age of 14, Cyril was already working as a railway porter for the London and North Western Railway, while his father continued his role as the station master.

At the start of June 1915, shortly after turning 19, Cyril left his family in Garth and enlisted in the Royal Field Artillery, serving with them for the remainder of the war. Two of his brothers also served: Cpl Trevor Evans of the Welsh Guards and Signaller Harold Evans of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers.

Cyril married Lillian JB Pillar in Swansea in the third quarter of 1920. By 1921, they were living at 120 Western Street in Swansea, where Cyril worked as a shunter for the Grovesend Steel & Tinplate Company in Gorseinon.

The couple had four children His grandson kindly provided the following: My mother was the oldest of 4 children born to Cyril & Lilian. My mother in 1924, William Godfrey in 1927, Violet 1932 and Trevor John Derek in 1936.

In the 1930's, Cyril became a coal merchant. The family were still residing at 120 Western Street in 1939, with Cyril now listed as a coal merchant.

Cyril passed away on February 6, 1967, at the age of 71, at Swansea Hospital.

Cyril Evans enlisted in the 1st Welsh (Howitzer) Brigade on either June 1 or 2, 1915, most likely in Swansea. Unfortunately, his service record was destroyed in the London Blitz, but it is possible to piece together elements of his military service through fragments of surviving information.

After enlisting, Gnr Evans would have been posted to the 3rd Line for training, spending time at the depots in Luton and Winchester. Following the completion of his training, most likely at the end of 1916, he would have been posted to an active unit. Details of this unit are not known, but at the end of the war, he was serving with the 240 Brigade, so this is the most likely option.

By October 1917, he had been promoted to Bombadier and was given leave during which he returned home to Garth. Following this, he undertook a three-month signalling course and went to Italy at the end of January 1918 – again most likely with the 240 Brigade, part of the 48th Division.

During his time in Italy, Signaller Evans succumbed to Malaria, and 2 photographs show him in hospital clothing and recovering.

Signaller Evans also excelled in his duties and, according to a newspaper article published in 1921, was recommended for the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) no fewer than three times. Elements of two of the citations have survived:

Recommended for DCM...... was a bombadier and signaller in the Swansea Howitzer Brigade. Whilst serving with his unit on August 26th, 1918, on the Italian front, Bombadier Evans displayed great pluck and determination in carrying dispatches under heavy fire. For this he was recommended for the DCM.

Herald of Wales, 16/4/1921 (Welsh Newspapers Online)