Evers, Bryan Grosvenor

Date of birth:: 1912
Date of death:: 2008
Service number:: 89661
Nationality:: British

Biography

When WW2 broke out on 1 September 1939 Bryan Grosvenor Evers was 27.
After joining the Territorial Army early in 1939 and attending the Royal Military College he gained his commission.
In 1940, 2nd Lieutenant Evers was deployed to France. He was injured and then captured during the Dunkirk retreat and spent the rest of the war as a POW.
The book he wrote - 'One Man's War' - is his account of his experiences during that time.

In 1948 he was appointed OC of P and Q Batteries, Kidderminster branch of the newly formed 300th Anti Tank Regiment (Worcestershire Yeomanry) RA.
He resumed his work as a solicitor in Stourbridge, was very involved in the Rotary Club and was particularly interested in international relationships. He was the Coroner for North Worcestershire for thirty five years from 1947.
There is a tree dedicated to him at the National Arboretum.

Bryan Grosvenor Evers died aged 96, a much loved and respected man.

Promotions:
8th july, 1939: 2nd Lieutenant
? Lieutenant
1 May, 1947: Captain
12 July, 1948: Major
19th Feb. 1953 from active list
31 March, 1962: exceeded the age limit, ceases to belong to the TA. (Reserve of Officers)

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Military Cross (MC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Temporary Captain
Unit:: 53rd Worcestershire Yeomanry, Anti Tank Regiment, Royal Artillery
Awarded on:: January 29th, 1945

Citation:
"During the witdrawal to DUNKIRQUE on 29th May 1940 the 212th Anti Tank Battery, fighting under the command of 42 Div was ordered to protect the road OOST CAPPEL - DUNKIRQUE. At 1700 hours Captain EVERS while reconnoitring REXPOEDE, to the west, found enemy tanks occupying the town. His truck was destroyed and driver wounded by a tank met at point blank range. Under continuous fighting, Captain EVERS then seized an abandoned truck and after making contact with our infantry returned to the Battery to report. At 1800 hours OOST CAPELL, defended by one troop of the Battery, was heavily engaged by enemy infantry and tanks.
Capt EVERS armed with grenades fought with great gallantry to keep the infantry from observing our gun positions and personally assisted in the destruction of one of the two enemy tanks which was knocked out. Subsequently he defended, single handed, the right flank of the troop locality with an LMG, remaining at his post until severely wounded [and abandoned as killed].
By his fearless example and energetic leadership he inspired his men to resist until all guns were disabled or crews had become casualties.

Witnesses:
Brig J. Parham (late BRA 2nd Army)
Lt-Col R.S. Williams Thomas (OC 212 Anti Tank Bty RA during this action)

The section [and abandoned as killed] in the recommendation was crossed out by pen.

Mentioned in Dispatches

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Temporary Captain
Unit:: 53rd Worcestershire Yeomanry, Anti Tank Regiment, Royal Artillery
Awarded on:: January 31st, 1946

Citation:
"Following his capture at REXPOEDE, FRANCE, in 1940, Capt. EVERS was imprisoned in various camps in Germany. In september 1941 he and twentyfour others escaped through a tunnel from Oflag VB (BIBERACH). Capt. EVERS was, however, caught after eight days' freedom.

The following summer he helped to dig a tunnel at Oflag VIB (WARBURG); on this occasion only two officers escaped and both were recaptured. After transfer to EICHST?TT (OFLAG VIIB) Capt. EVERS continued his escape activities, specialising in the construction of tunnels. Twice when tunnels were broken Capt. EVERS sat with his head and shoulders out of the exit; directing departures and giving warning of the movements of the outside sentries. Three colleagues have praised the work Capt. EVERS did on behalf of others.

When OFLAG VIIB was evacuated in April 1945, Capt. EVERS and two others escaped from the marching column. Almost within reach of Allied lines they were caught by German troops but they were liberated almost immeadiately."

Efficiency Medal / Territorial Decoration

Rank:: Major
Unit:: Territorial Army
Awarded on:: June 15th, 1951

Sources

- https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D7396964
- https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D7376088
- https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/34644/page/4757
- https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/37368/supplement/5789
- https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/37450/supplement/750
- https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/38101/supplement/4953
- https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/38440/supplement/5674
- https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/39258/supplement/3284
- https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/39360/supplement/5425
- https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/39825/supplement/2108