Ronald Ernest John Evans was born in Hendon, Middlesex on 18 July 1899 to Ernest Wesley Evans (born 1874 in Islington) and Evelyn E (born 1865 also in Islington). In the 1901 Census Ronald is listed as living at Purleigh, Burwell Avenue, Hornsey with his parents and younger sister – Joyce C A (born 1900). Ronald’s father is listed as a Brickworks Manager.
Ronald attended The Gravesend County Day School (now Gravesend Grammar School) from 1908-10. The County Day School had been originally opened in 1893 as a school of science and art, located in Darnley Street close to Gravesend Railway Station. (With the move of Gravesend Grammar School in 1938 to its present site in Milton Road, the original school building is now the Victoria Centre for Adult Education). By the time that Ronald attended the School, the 1902 Education Act had been passed and the school had become a recognised Secondary School. Although still a fee-paying school, there were scholarships available, but it is unknown as to whether he was a scholarship pupil. The Headmaster at the time was H F A Wigley, BA, FCS. The address given in the Schools Admission Register in 1908 was St Vincent, Whitehill Road, Gravesend.
By the 1911 Census Ronald’s family were still living at the same address as in 1908 and father Ernest is listed as a Cement Salesman. Ronald appears to be boarding with the Moss family at Primrose Lane, Bredgar, Sittingbourne – at the age of 13 he is still ‘at school’.
Ronald enlisted in Weobley, Leominster on 5th August 1916, joining the Royal Army Service Corps (1059) later transferring to the (Prince of Wales Own) West Yorkshire Regiment, 1st/5th Battalion as a Private, Regiment No. 54376. At the time of enlisting he gave his occupation as Farming, employed by William Westlake at Royston Farm, Church Stanton, near Honiton. The 1st/5th Battalion was part of the 146th Brigade, 49th (West Riding) Division.
Ronald Ernest John Evans is was killed in action during the Battle of Poelcappelle on 9 October 1917. The Battle of Poelcappelle was one of the battles of the 3rd Battle of Ypres – Passchendaele. He is remembered at Tyne Cot Memorial, near Ypres, Belgium – Panel 42-47 and 162.