Page 118 - Light Dragoons 2022 CREST

Friends, family, serving and retired soldiers paid tribute as the dales last remaining Dunkirk veteran was laid to
rest.
Former soldier and policeman David Evans of Leyburn at 102-years-old, was Wensleydale’s last remaining Dunkirk Veteran. He was one of the 338,226 British, French and Belgian troops evacuated from the breaches at Dunkirk, under the noses of the advancing German Army. Following his death a private family funeral took place at Darlington Crematorium.
The cremation service was followed by a wreath laying ceremony at the war memo- rial Catterick Garrison. Mr Evans had been guest of honour at its opening, cele- brating his 100th birthday as guest of hon- our at the unveiling of Lt Col Joe Jordan’s project for a lasting memorial at Catterick Garrison in December 2018.
Fittingly, soldiers from the Light Dragoons formed an honour guard. Wreaths were laid by his family and Major Luke Doddington of the Light Dragoons and a military piper played “Amazing Grace”. In a moment of pure serendipity during the service, many military vehicles includ- ing small tanks and a large police convoy passed by whilst the final act of the day was a service of thanksgiving at Spennithorne Church where Mr Evans had attended annual parades for Dunkirk Veterans. His cap badge and a handful of Dunkirk sand he had brought back to England accompa- nied the gathering of mourners.
His long-time friend Edward Martin gave details of his life and career as a miner, regular solder and police sergeant. Moving to the Dales on retirement he worked for the National Park and played cricket for Spennithorne.
A short service at the Catterick Garrison roundabout
The Regimental Journal of The Light Dragoons
Historical David Evans
President of the British Legion Leyburn branch, for many years, he last read at the 2019 Remembrance Day parade at Leyburn. In recent years Mr Evans had been a popular resident at Sycamore Hall in Bainbridge but had recently moved back to his home on Leyburn where he died peacefully on Thursday July 15.
At the conclusion of the service the Last Post was played by a trumpeter from the Coldstream Guards and attendees left to the strains of “Balaklava” the quick march of the 13th/18th Royal Hussars.
When asked about his secret to longev- ity when interviewed by the media on his 100th birthday Mr Evans said: “Think of all the things in life you shouldn’t do – and do them!”
A piper plays for the service
David Evans
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