Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘1917’ D.C.M. awarded to Driver H. ‘Herbie’ Evans, Royal Field Artillery, a professional footballer, who despite breaking both legs during the course of his career - played for Cardiff City, 1920-26, was signed by Tranmere Rovers, and won 6 Caps for Wales

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (5739 Dvr: H. Evans. A.69/Bde: R.F.A.) toned, good very fine £800-£1,000

D.C.M. London Gazette 29 August 1917:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on three different occasions. On each of these he laid a wire behind the infantry under heavy fire thus ensuring co-operation with the Artillery.’

Herbert ‘Herbie’ Price Evans was born in Llandaff, Wales in August 1894. He served during the Great War with the Royal Field Artillery in the Egyptian theatre of war from July 1915. A midfielder who played for Cardiff Corinthians, Evans was signed by Cardiff City in 1920. The latter year represented Cardiff City’s first season in the Football League, and Evans went on to make 93 appearances for the club over the next six years. His appearances were limited due to a nasty leg break which kept him out of action for nearly two years, however, he did go on to win 6 caps for Wales - including playing for the team which won the International Championship of 1923-24.

Evans signed for Tranmere Rovers in 1926. He suffered another broken leg - this time to the other leg - and he was forced to retire. A talented sportsman, he also represented Glamorgan in First Class Cricket. In later life Evans resided at 2 Highwalls Avenue, Dinas Powys. He died at Llandough, Penarth, Glamorgan in November 1982.

Sold with the following related items and documents: original copy of London Gazette listing recipient’s award, dated 28 August 1917; five photographs of recipient from various stages of his football career, including for Cardiff City and as part of the Wales team that contested 1923-1924 International Championship.