Edwards, Evan Morgan

No.1532 – Private Evan Morgan Edwards – 28^th Battalion AIF

Evan Morgan Edwards was born in Adelaide South Australia to Thomas and Jane Edwards on the 23^rd January 1884. He attended Public school in Adelaide and after leaving took up work as an electrician. With his brother Gomer, he later moved to Western Australia and took up residence in North Fremantle. He continued his work as an electrician but had also become well known locally as a vocalist, pianist and athlete.

In the 1910 electoral roll Evan was living at Thompson Road North Fremantle and listed his occupation as journalist. In 1912 he had moved to Victoria Avenue North Fremantle and was working as a Grocer. In 1914, his occupation was listed as Vocalist.  Evan was indeed a talented person. Before he enlisted in the war Evan took part as a singer and pianist in several patriotic affairs. On the 29^th April 1915 he enlisted into the AIF at the Perth Drill Hall. He was found to be 5 feet 9 inches tall; weight of 163 lbs; chest measurement of 34-36 inches; fair complexion; blue eyes and fair hair. His religious denomination was Church of England.

Evan was assigned to the 1^st Reinforcements to the 28^th Battalion AIF. This group trained with the main battalion until they left Fremantle on the H.M.A.T. “Geelong” on the 7^th June 1915. After arriving in Egypt; Evan was taken on strength of the 28^th Battalion on the 18^th August 1915.

(Photo below - Three Fremantle soldiers of the 28^th Battalion AIF – No.1576 L/Cpl Harry Roy died of wounds received at Gallipoli, No.1597 Cpl George White and No.1532 Pte Evan Morgan Edwards. Only George White returned home)

The battalion left Egypt for Gallipoli on the 4^th September 1915 and after arriving at Anzac were sent to the northern sector where they were put into trenches at the position known as The Apex and Rhododendron Spur. On the 2^nd November Evan was sent to the 7^th Field Ambulance with an abscess to his jaw though returned to duty a few days later.

Evan remained with the 28^th Battalion for the rest of their time at Gallipoli and left with them when they evacuated the peninsula. After a short period of time in Mudros; Evan returned to Egypt on the 16^th January 1916. The battalion went into camp and commenced training for service in France. On the 31^st January Evan was admitted to the 7^th Field Ambulance with an ingrown toe nail though returned to the 28^th Battalion on the 5^th February. Almost immediately he was admitted to 7^th Field Ambulance suffering from meningitis. He was evacuated to the 2^nd Casualty Clearing Station where he was also diagnosed with Pneumonia. He was then admitted to the 1^st Australian Stationary Hospital where his condition was listed as “dangerously ill”. Evan spent the next five days here where his condition slowly deteriorated. On the 12^th February 1916 he died and was buried at Ismailia War Memorial Cemetery Egypt in Plot B.13 in a service conducted by Chaplain Captain W. Stevens.

Evan had left all his effects to his sister Gladys from Victoria Avenue North Fremantle. His brother Gomer Edwards had also tried to enlist in the war but was refused due to being medically unfit for service.