Robert Rowland Evans was born in Bangor, Caernarfonshire on 8 June 1888.
Little is known of his early life, but in 1911 he lived at 5 Edward Henry Street, Rhyl, Flintshire, with his father Robert Curry Evans, a Commission Agent for Horse and Cattle Transport. Robert was employed as a Clerk.
On Thursday 24 September 1914 at the age of 33, Robert enlisted with 19th Battalion, Kings Liverpool Regiment, at one of the Recruitment Centres in Liverpool. He had at some time served in the Calcutta Volunteer Reserve for a period of three years. His Attestation Certificate – British Army WW1 Service Record can be viewed on (www.ancestry.co.uk). On enlistment he was described as 5’7″, Chest Measurement 35″, Expansion 2″, Brown Hair, Grey Eyes. His physical development was described as good and according to the Recruitment Officer and Medical Officer he was fit for Military Service.
On Thursday 29 July 1915 at Denbigh, Denbighshire he married Gladys Sarah Tozer and they lived at Glasdir, Colwyn Crescent, Llandrillo yn Rhos, Colwyn Bay.
On Sunday 7 November 1915, he embarked with the Battalion at Folkstone for France and on Sunday 30 July 1916, he was engaged on front line trench duties, when he was reported missing, believed killed in action. This was later confirmed.
On 27 October 1917, a payment of £5. 9s. 3d. was made by the War Office to Mrs Gladys Evans, being monies owed to her husband Robert. On 4 October 1919, a further payment, which is recorded as a War Gratuity of £8. 10s. 0d. was also made to her.
On 25 November 1917, Gladys received Robert’s personal property, which consisted of a wallet, 2 photographs, a post card and cap badge.
There is no Flintshire Roll of Honour Card for him at the County Archives Office, Hawarden.
Robert Rowland Evans is also remembered on the Colwyn Bay War Memorial, on a First World War Remembrance Plaque, which is situated in the Royal Alexandra Hospital, Marine Drive, Rhyl, Flintshire and on the North Wales Heroes Memorial Arch, Deiniol Road, Bangor.