British and World Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Hong Kong Plague 1894 (Sergeant-Cook F. Evans, S.L.I.) mounted as worn, good very fine £1000-1200

Francis Evans was born in Birmingham, Warwickshire. A Labourer by occupation and a member of the 2nd Shropshire Rifle Volunteers, he attested for service with the Shropshire Light Infantry at Shrewsbury on 23 August 1883, aged 18 years, 6 months. He served in the U.K. during August 1883-December 1886, being promoted to Sergeant in September 1886. Posted to Egypt, December 1886-February 1887, he was appointed Sergeant Master Cook in January 1887. As such, he then served in Malta, February 1887-March 1891 and Egypt, March-December 1891, before being posted to Hong Kong, December 1891-January 1895. For his services in that colony, he was awarded the Hong Plague Medal in silver. In addition his name was inscribed on the silver shield presented by the Community of Hong Kong to the Warrant Officers, Staff Sergeants and Sergeants of the 1st Battalion S.L.I. for services during the plague. Evans married Alice Heffermann at Malta on 19 September 1888 and by her had two children. His wife was struck off the married establishment for misconduct on 17 September 1893. Sergeant Master-Cook Evans was discharged on the termination of his first period of service on 22 August 1895 - the Hong Kong Plague Medal was his only medallic award.

With copied service papers.