Evan Owen's Story.
Birkenhead News 15 January 1916LOCAL SNIPER DIES OF WOUNDS.
Struck by Bursting Shell.
News is to hand of the death in action of Pte. Evan Owen Williams, of the 10th Batt. Royal Welsh Fusiliers, who resided at 12, Shaw Street, Birkenhead. Pte. Williams, who was only 29 years of age, joined the forces about three weeks after the outbreak of war. He left for the front about 12 weeks ago, and was such an excellent shot with a rifle that he was specially set to the work of a sniper. During an engagement at St. Eloi near Ypres, on Dec. 17th, 1915, he was struck by a piece of shell. He was removed to a base hospital, but his wounds were of a severe character, and he expired on Dec. 19th.
The following is a letter received from Army Chaplain A. B. Brooke, by Mrs. Williams: - “I am sorry indeed to tell you that your husband, Pte. E. O. Williams, 13540, 10th Batt. Royal Welsh Fusiliers, died in hospital here on Dec. 19th. He was brought here from the firing line suffering from very severe wounds. During the short time that he was conscious I did all that I could for him, and talked and prayed with him. He left no message. I am fairly certain that the shock of his wounds was so great that it prevented him from feeling pain. The doctors here did everything possible for his comfort, but there was no was hope of saving his life. I hope you will feel that he died amongst friends. I buried him next day in the military cemetery on the Poperinghe-Boeschepe road, and his grave is marked with a cross bearing his name.
Pte. Williams, who leaves a wife and three young children to deplore his loss, was formerly employed by Messrs. Perrin and Sons, and was highly respected by his fellow workmen, who will hear with regret of his death.