Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

An Order of St. John group of six awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel A. J. Evans, Royal Army Medical Corps, who served as a Civil Surgeon during the Boer War; distinguished himself during the earthquake in Kingston, Jamaica, 14 January 1907 - for which he was thanked by both the Governor of Jamaica and the Secretary of State for the Colonies; and commanded the 31st British Stationary Hospital in Mesopotamia during the Great War

The Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Officer ‘s (Brother’s) breast badge, silver; Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal (Civil Surgeon A. J. Evans.) rank partially officially corrected; King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps (Civ. Surg. A. J. Evans.); Territorial Force War Medal (Capt. A. J. Evans R.A.M.C.); British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. Oak Leaves (Lt. Col. A. J. Evans.), mounted as originally worn, generally very fine (6) £600-800

M.I.D. London Gazette 11 May 1918 (Mesopotamia).

Arthur John Evans was born in Crickhowell, Breconshire, in April 1871, and was educated at St. Edmunds School, Canterbury. He studied Medicine at the London University Hospital, and served as a Civil Surgeon with the Royal Army Medical Corps at No. 2 General Hospital and the Welsh Hospital, Pretoria, during the Second Boer War. He joined the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve in February 1904, and had a practice in Liverpool. He was employed as the Medical Superintendent for the Elder-Dempster Line. Evans accompanied Sir Alfred Jones, and other political and commercial men, on the visit to the Agricultural Conference held in Jamaica, in January 1907. The delegation travelled on the Port Kingston (Elder-Dempster Line), for which Evans was appointed ship’s doctor. Evans was present in Kingston, when a huge earthquake occurred, 14 January 1907. He wrote an account of his experiences, which was published in the British Medical Journal, 9 February 1907:

‘By this time, the town was ablaze, the flames being driven rapidly in our direction, fanned by a strong land breeze. From that time onwards I know nothing of the events on land. The Port Kingston was the only passenger ship in harbour. They brought the wounded to us along the wharf, and after we had cast off they came in boats, dug-outs, lighters, steamers, and every conceivable craft. In an hour’s time, the companionways, alleyways, decks, second-class saloon, smoke room, and hatches were simply littered with the dying and the wounded; one could not step between them at times without touching a fractured limb!

An operating table was improvised, first in the main companionway, then in the second saloon, then on the afterdeck, and finally on the wharf, and so each section of the ship was dealt with. Such a scene was presented as I have never experienced before. The injuries were terrible, mostly, however, to the lower limbs, spine, and head, all fouled by dust and mortar..... As to the surgical work, it was nothing but setting fractures of every description; arresting haemorrhage by ligature and tourniquet, cleansing wounds and amputating limbs. Such severe injuries it has never been my lot before to witness in spite of a lengthened experience in military surgery during the South African war. Some 200 cases passed through my hands. Surrounded by leading representatives of the press, and public men, much that is kind and appreciative has been written and said of our work on the Port Kingston. I hope I did my duty: I was glad to be there, and glad to be an Englishman, for we received on board that ship wounded and refugees of every colour, nationality, and creed.’

Evans received a letter of appreciation for his services from both the Governor of Jamaica, and Lord Elgin - the Secretary of State for the Colonies. The incident itself received a large amount of press coverage including in The Times. Upon Evans’ return to the UK, ‘the medical officer of the steamer Port Kingston, who distinguished himself in connection with the Jamaican disaster, had the honour of being presented to the Prince and Princess of Wales at Knowsley on the evening of the Grand National day. His Royal Highness, who is familiar with Jamaica, warmly congratulated Dr. Evans on his arduous and humane work, and spent the best part of an hour inquiring of him the particulars of the catastrophe. Dr Evans was also introduced to Lord Roberts, who recognised in him a member of the Army Medical Staff who served with him in South Africa.’

Having resigned his commission from the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve in July 1909, Evans was commissioned Captain in the 1st West Lancashire Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps (Territorial) later the same year. He was appointed Visiting Surgeon to the Liverpool Select Vestry in 1910. Evans advanced to Major at the 1st Western General Hospital, R.A.M.C., in November 1913, and served as honorary surgeon to the Liverpool Stanley Hospital and to the Liverpool Shipbroker’s Benevolent Society.

Evans served during the Great War with the R.A.M.C. in the Mesopotamian theatre of War from August 1916. He assumed command of the 31st British Stationary Hospital in October 1916, and advanced to Acting Lieutenant-Colonel at the end of the year. As ‘Surgical Specialist to the 31st British Stationary Hospital [he] collapsed whilst performing an operation on March 24th 1917, the symptoms suggesting heat exhaustion. He had previously been overworked during the operation about Kut and Baghdad and was run down.’ (Medical Report refers)

Invalided home, Evans returned after recuperation to serve with the 1st Western General Hospital. He was discharged in July 1919, and resumed his employment with the Elder-Dempster Line. Evans also lectured in clinical surgery at the University of Liverpool. He died in January 1933.

Sold with a file of copied research, including a photographic image of the recipient.