Charles Hellier Davies Evans

Lieutenant Colonel Charles Hellier Davis Evans, DSO (28 May 187318 November 1956) served as commanding officer of the New Zealand Cyclist Corps. A long time member of New Zealand's volunteer forces he enlisted in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force at the outbreak of World War I, and served with distinction on the Western Front. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (second only to the Victoria Cross for officers), Mentioned in Despatches, and was one of only 14 members of the New Zealand Army to receive the French Legion of Honour decoration during the war.

Early life Charles Evans was born on 23 May 1873 and served as a volunteer from 1900. He was appointed a captain in the Wellington Mounted Rifles in 1911 and working as an accountant prior to World War I.

World War I The New Zealand Cyclist Battalion, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Charles Evans, played a significant role in the 1918 Battle of the Marne. Drawn from Mounted Rifles Reinforcements, the New Zealand Cyclist Corps was established under Evans in April 1916, as mobile infantry for patrolling and exploiting breaks in the enemy line. As part of Godley's Corps Troops, the unit was separate from the New Zealand Division but, due to the static nature of warfare on the Western Front, were often used for track-building or cable-laying. Evans was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for his work in preparing a cavalry attack during the Battle of Messines in June 1917. He was also mentioned in Despatches on 28 December 1917 in recognition of his excellent service and appointed a Chevalier of the Legion of Honour by the President of France in February 1916. This French award is uncommon for New Zealanders: fewer than 100 awards have been made, and Hastings was one of only 14 members of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force to be decorated with the Legion of Honour during the war.

Ribbons