Orders, Decorations and Medals

A B.E.M. pair to Serjeant J. M. Evans, Royal Signals

British Empire Medal, (Military) E.II.R. (22296981 Sgt., R. Sigs.); General Service 19621 clasp, Borneo (22296981 Sgt., R. Signals) very fine and better (2) £160-200

B.E.M. London Gazette 1 January 1973.

Recommendation states: ‘Sergeant Evans joined the Royal Corps of Signals in 1951 and finishes his service at the begining of 1973. He has served in many overseas theatres, earning three clasps to the General Service Medal. Throughout his career he has earned the respect and high regard of those who have worked closely with him. In 1966 he joined 2 Division Signal Regiment as a radio sergeant. However in 1968, due to force of circumstances, he has had to assume the duties of Officers’ Mess Sergeant, a job for which he had no previous training. ... From the start he tackled his duties with great enthusiasm and energy, ... In the field the task of feeding some 75 officers in relays and normally with a move every night is not easy. Sgt. Evans never fails to provide a very high standard, far higher indeed than would reasonably be expected. Additionally he frequently has to arrange special meals for important visitors to the headquarters in the field; both military and political. ... In addition to his duties of Mess Sergeant, Sergeant Evans was instrumental in setting up a flourishing liaison between the divisional signal regiment and the village of Ijmuiden in Holland. An annual exchange of visits now takes place and the international good will created cannot be overestimated. Sergeant Evans has put into the Service more than he has received, and by his unstinting efforts and determination has produced an Officers’ Mess in barracks and in the field which is the envy of many. ...’