William Jenkin Bevan

(Photograph reproduced by kind permission of Adam Watts)

Born 20th April 1877, Swansea, Wales

Warrant Number 7304

Collar Number D80

Served at Cloak Lane Police Station


Lance Corporal, Military Foot Police, Military Police Corps, attached 1st Army

Service Number P/1434

Awarded the Croix de Guerre with Bronze Star

Died 18th February 1919 aged 41 years

Buried Buried at Etaples Military Cemetery, France

Citation for the award of Croix de Guerre with Bronze Star, London Gazette, Tuesday, 8th October 1918:      ‘On the 16th March 1918, whilst on duty in a town subject to a violent bombardment, he carried to safety injured civilians and soldiers buried under the debris of a house destroyed by shells and still under bombardment carried two injured to hospital. He showed an outstanding contempt for danger and by his attitude and example contributed to the maintenance of calm amongst the population’.

On 29th January 1919, Bevan journeyed to Le Havre in extremely harsh weather.  It is believed that this brought on a condition that eventually proved fatal.  His death certificate records the cause of death as “broncho pneumonia, brought on by exposure while on duty”.

With many thanks to Adam Watts for providing both the photograph and additional information on William Bevan.

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