OUR SOLDIERS
The following is extracted from a letter from John S. Yeomans to Colonel Evans:-

"You will, I know, be pleased to receive a note from one of your old boys. Owing to censorship regulations and inconvenience of writing, the letter is a short one. We are now doing the job you helped to train us for. We have the real thing at last, and plenty of it. The boys behaved splendidly under their baptism of fire, and Australia should be proud of the men she sent in the first division, for no body of men could have done better than they did on that first awful day (April 25) and following days. Though the "foot sloggers" are looked down upon by some, they proved on that day, that, without the assistance of artillery they could do the job and hold on despite the awful conditions which prevailed. Once a ridge was gained, there was no going back; they had the idea that they had to stick, and they stuck. Men were sent into places where the fire was so hot that there was no hope of coming back. They did not mind so long as they had an officer to lead them. Splendid work has been put in, and many valuable lives have been lost."

OUR SOLDIERS. (1915, August 19). The Essendon Gazette and Keilor, Bulla and Broadmeadows Reporter (Moonee Ponds, Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 6 Edition: Morning.. Retrieved January 14, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74589829

Essendon Gazette 14 Oct 1915

The many friends of Lieut.-Col. Evans will be pleased to hear that he has sailed for the front in charge of some 2000 Australian soldiers. All those who know the gallant Colonel are sure that he will give a good account of him self.

SOCIAL BREVITIES. (1915, October 14). The Essendon Gazette and Keilor, Bulla and Broadmeadows Reporter (Moonee Ponds, Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 3 Edition: Morning.. Retrieved January 16, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74590396

Colonel Evans. who departed in October for Egypt, in command of over 2000 men, has arrived safely in Cairo. The Colonel cabled to Mrs. Evans that all were well, and he will probably remain in Cairo till Christmas, but his future movements are uncertain.

SOCIAL BREVITIES. (1915, November 25). The Essendon Gazette and Keilor, Bulla and Broadmeadows Reporter (Moonee Ponds, Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 3 Edition: Morning.. Retrieved January 20, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74590959

Colonel Evans has left in command of a troopship. This is the third time Colonel Evans has travelled in command of our troops.

SOCIAL BREVITIES. (1916, April 13). The Essendon Gazette and Keilor, Bulla and Broadmeadows Reporter (Moonee Ponds, Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 3. Retrieved January 28, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74592619

NEWS FROM EGYPT

Colonel John Evans writes as follows: "I have had a very trying time on service, which I shall relate when I arrive home. I have seen a little of this old and mysterious land of the Pharaohs; in fact, every yard of it is full of interest and enshrouded with deep mystery. I spent three days in the Egyptian Museum, and was very much interested in wars and weapons of war used in olden times. Rameses II., in his celebrated war with the Syrians, took four  Divisions, and each bore the name of a deity. On this occasion there were the Corps of Amon, Corps of Ra, Corps of Ptah, and Corps of Set. This last-named one is known to most of the Egyptians as the God of Evil. "Rameses also used two pet lions,  which charged the enemy alongside his chariot. His army was made up of three classes of combatants-viz. infantry, cavalry, and charioteers, who, to a certain extent, were equivalent to our  modern artillery, because they carried picked warriors, wielding heavy bows, and the penetrating force of their arrows was augmented by the velocity with which chariots upon which they stood were propelled along, the field of battle. I could go on looking at the figures and mummies for weeks; all is so wonderful and interesting."

NEWS FROM EGYPT. (1916, June 29). The Essendon Gazette and Keilor, Bulla and Broadmeadows Reporter (Moonee Ponds, Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 1 Edition: Morning. Retrieved February 1, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74593353

The death occurred on Saturday of Mrs. Dorothy Evans, wife of Mr. Richard John Evans, and daughter-in-law of Colonel and Mrs. John Evans, of "Bonnie Doon." Maribyrnong road, Ascot Vale. The deceased was well known in Moonee Ponds, as Miss, Dorothy Doogan, (sic) carried on some little the stationer's business in Puckle Street.   She was of a genial and kindly   disposition and was deservedly popular.   The deceased leaves one child. Great sympathy is felt for the bereaved relations of the young lady. The interment was a private one. "

SOCIAL BREVITIES. (1917, July 12). The Essendon Gazette and Keilor, Bulla and Broadmeadows Reporter (Moonee Ponds, Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 3 Edition: Morning. Retrieved May 18, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74603139

DEATHS.

EVANS.--On the 19th October, at Melbourne, Colonel John Evans, V. D*. loved husband of Jessie, and father of Grace, Richard, and grandfather of little Jack, in his 60th year. Beloved by all who knew him.

Family Notices. (1917, October 25). The Essendon Gazette and Keilor, Bulla and Broadmeadows Reporter (Moonee Ponds, Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 2 Edition: Morning. Retrieved May 25, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74604086

* Volunteer Decoration, for service with the Citizens Military Forces.

OBITUARY THE LATE COLONEL EVANS

General regret was expressed through out the district when it was reported on Friday that Late Colonel John Evans, V.D., had passed away. A resident of Marybyrnong road, Ascot vale, for many years, the deceased gentleman was widely known and much respected throughout the Essendon district as a public-spirited citizen and military enthusiast, and death occurred at the age of 60. A widow, son, and daughter are left to mourn their loss, the latter being Miss Gracie Evans, a well known vocalist of considerable talent.

The late Colonel Evans was a wholesale stationer in Melbourne, prior to taking up business on his own account, having been connected with the well-known firm of George Robertson and Sons. He was a prominent figure in the Essendon River League, Essendon Angling and Fish Protection Society, and many other local organisations, and his activities in connection with various fetes, bazaars, and other patriotic entertainments in aid of charitable and patriotic funds will be well remembered.

As a militiaman the late Colonel Evans had a long and distinguished career, being one which dated back to 1881, when he joined the Richmond Rifles at the age of 24. Shortly after the formation of the Victorian Militia Force in 1885 he received his commission, and after being captain in charge of the Richmond companies, was six years later appointed to the command of the old Second Victorian Regiment and later the Sixth Australian Infantry. After the declaration of war Colonel Evans volunteered for active service, but his age precluding his acceptance for work in the field, he was appointed O.C. of a section of the expeditionary forces on their way to the front. In this position his ripe military experience stood him in good stead, and he supervised the taking of three transports to the front with satisfaction to the men and the military authorities.

After about a year spent in this work Colonel Evans' health broke down, and about six months ago he was stricken down with the serious illness which culminated in his death. Many leading officers who have distinguished themselves in the present war received their first training under the deceased gentleman.   The funeral left deceased's late residence on Saturday, and was largely attended. At the graveside in the Melbourne Cemetery the pall-bearers were Colonel Robertson, Colonel Crouch, Colonel Freeman, Colonel Devine, Messrs. J. Bone, Thorpe, Grierson and Beaumont. The mortuary arrangements were in the hands of Mr. Joseph Allison.

At the meeting of the Essendon Council on Monday evening, the Mayor (Cr. W. J. Mountain) referred to the sad event, and, in moving that a letter of condolence be forwarded to the bereaved family, referred to the past activities of Colonel Evans in connection with public movements for the advancement of the city. Cr. H. S. Cole said the late Colonel Evans was known to all who concerned themselves in local movements by his kindly and genial characteristics. Though his last hours were overshadowed by partial blindness, he "went out like a brave soldier." The motion was carried, all present standing with bowed heads.

OBITUARY. (1917, October 25). The Essendon Gazette and Keilor, Bulla and Broadmeadows Reporter (Moonee Ponds, Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 4 Edition: Morning. Retrieved May 26, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74604135