Alfred Evans

Who was Alfred Evans?

Sir Alfred Englefield Evans, KBE, CB was an English cricketer and officer of the Royal Navy. Evans was a right-handed batsman who bowled right-arm medium pace. He rose to the rank of vice-admiral during his career, which involved service in the First World War.

He was born in South Africa, the second son of Dr. E.W. Evans. He spent his formative years in South Africa before the family returned to England, where he was educated at Horris Hill School before joining the Royal Navy. Evans was taught aboard the training ship HMS Britannia, and was appointed a midshipman in 1900. He was promoted to acting sub-lieutenant in 1901, and to Sub-Lieutenant in 1903. In 1905, he was promoted to lieutenant. He was promoted to Lieutenant-Commander in 1914, and fought at the Battle of Jutland, serving as flag-lieutenant to Vice-Admiral Sir Arthur Leveson. He was promoted Commander in 1917, and was appointed an OBE in 1919.

Evans made his first-class debut for the Royal Navy against the Army in 1914 at Lord's.