The Airmen's Stories - P/O D Evans

David Evans was born in Liverpool on 21st November 1919, the son of Robert Evans (1893-1984) and Sarah Ellen Evans (nee Lamb 1894-1969).

He was educated at Oulton High School. He went to work for Duncan Fox and Company, a trading organisation. In 1938 he joined the 38th (AA) Battalion of the King's Regiment, Territorial Army.

In June 1939 Evans joined the RAF on a short service commission and did his initial training at 9 E&RFTS Ansty. On completion of his training Evans was posted to 615 Squadron in France in early May 1940. The squadron was withdrawn to England on the 21st after suffering heavy losses.

Evans aircraft was damaged on 15th August in combat with Me109's off Folkestone but he was able to return to Hawkinge unhurt.

The next day he claimed the destruction of a Me110 and on the 24th a He111. On 8th September Evans was posted to 607 Squadron at Tangmere.

His Hurricane P3554 was shot down in combat with Me109s over Swanage on 5th October and baled out, landing at Broom Farm near Fareham. He went to 257 Squadron on 17th October.

On 18th November 1940 he was posted to 85 Squadron. He damaged a He111 at night on 26th April and on the night of 11th May he destroyed a He111.

Evans received a Mention in Despatches (gazetted 1st January 1943).

He was killed on 28th May 1943 as a Squadron Leader with 25 Squadron. He was carrying out an air test in Mosquito NFII DZ264 which stalled whilst making a single-engine approach at Church Fenton.

Evans is buried in St. Andrew's churchyard, Bebington, Cheshire.

Above image courtesy of Christine Hough.