Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A military B.E.M. pair awarded to Sergeant J. M. Evans, Royal Corps of Signals

British Empire Medal, (Military) E.II.R. (22296981 Sgt. John M. Evans, R. Sigs.); General Service 1962, 3 clasps, Borneo, Radfan, South Arabia (22296981 Sgt. J. M. Evans, R. Signals) good very fine and better (2) £300-400

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

Recommendation reads: ‘Sergeant Evans joined the Royal Corps of Signals in 1951 and finishes his service at the beginning 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. In barracks the mess caters for the Signal Regiment and an aviation squadron and in the field the main headquarters of 2 Division.

From the start he tackled his duties with great enthusiasm and energy, redesigning the arrangements both in barracks and in the field on a more efficient and cost effective basis. 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. All this he does with an entire disregard for his own personal convenience. His energy, enthusiasm and equanimity in the face of adverse conditions have been common knowledge in the headquarters; he never spares himself and exercises leadership of a high standard.

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. His loyal and devoted service to 2 Division Headquarter and Signal Regiment has been well beyond the call of duty and fully deserves formal recognition.’

With copied gazette extracts and recommendation.