A COMMEMORATIVE stone has been unveiled to mark the 100 year anniversary of the action which resulted in Brigadier General Lewis Pugh Evans receiving the Victoria Cross, the only Ceredigion-born soldier to be awarded this prestigious medal to date.

The service at Llanbadarn Fawr began with a parade led by pipers, both members of the Black Watch Association, and standard bearers led by a standard bearer from the Royal Lincolnshire Regiment.

A speech on the history of the brigadier’s life was given by Christopher Evans, Brigadier Evans’ grandson, who attended with Brigadier Evans’ family.

Mr Evans said, “I am delighted that Ceredigion is honouring my grandfather with this commemorative stone. This will be a reminder that we and future generations will not forget the First World War, or the courage of all those who took part.

“My grandfather said he was a lucky man, lucky to have survived the war and lucky to be selected and recognised by the award of a Victoria Cross.

“However, I believe he felt there were others who went beyond the call of duty in actions that may have not been recognised. It is a pleasure to meet some of you here today who remember him.”

Brigadier Evans was born in 1881 in Abermad, educated at Eton and entered the army after training at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst followed by a long and distinguished army career, spanning 40 years.

The official citation for the award of the Victoria Cross was read out by Geoffrey Newmarch, County Colonel for Lincolnshire, The Royal Anglian Regiment. The citation detailed that the Victoria Cross was awarded to Brigadier Evans for ‘most conspicuous bravery and leadership’ and that ‘his examples of cool bravery stimulated in all ranks the highest valour’.

This happened on 4 October, 1917 near Zonnebeke, Belgium when he captured an enemy machine gun position single-handedly with only a revolver and despite being wounded, led his troops to a second objective, which was also taken.