Next of kin plaque : Captain David Gerald Evans, 8th Battalion, AIF

Bronze next of kin plaque, showing on the obverse, Britannia holding a laurel wreath, the British lion, dolphins, a spray of oak leaves and the words 'HE DIED FOR FREEDOM AND HONOUR' around the edge. Beneath the main figures, the British lion defeats the German eagle. The initials 'ECP', for the designer Edward Carter Preston appear above the lion's right forepaw. A raised rectangle above the lion's head bears the name 'DAVID GERALD EVANS'. The plaque is contained in its original cardboard sleeve.

Born on his parents' property 'Red Camp' at Moyhu, near Wangaratta, Victoria, 24 year old grazier David Gerald Evans enlisted in the AIF on 8 February 1915. After training in Australia, and attending and officer's school of instruction, he was commissioned a second lieutenant and posted to the 5th Reinforcements to 22nd Battalion. The unit embarked for overseas service from Melbourne on 29 September, aboard RMS Osterley.

In Egypt in February 1916, Evans transferred to A Company, 8th Battalion. He moved to France with it in April, for service on the Western Front. Evans was wounded during the fighting at Pozieres in late July, a the same time he was promoted lieutenant, but elected to stay in the field. He was mentioned in despatches for his good work, leadership and courage.

In 1917 he was again mentioned in despatches. The recommendation reads 'A highly competent and efficient officer, who, since joining the Battalion 18 months ago, has done splendid work and shown initiative and great ability as a leader. His work as a leader of raiding parties has always been gallant. His calmness and courage has at all times given great confidence to men under him. He is most reliable, and his work has been consistently good and worthy of recognition.'

At the end of April Evans was promoted captain. He was awarded the Military Cross for his actions on 8 and 9 May 1917. The recommendation reads, 'During the heavy fighting in the Hindenburg Line on the 8th and 9th instant, Lieut. EVANS was in charge of the flank company which had the enemy in the same trench along side of them. Lieut. EVANS organised and personally led a bombing attack along the trench, thereby gaining about 200 yards of same. He personally supervised the consolidation of the new position, and successfully repelled three strong counter-attacks. Throughout the fighting Lieut. EVANS courageous and capable leadership and example inspired his men to a wonderful degree. By his dash and courage an almost impossible position was greatly improved and placed on sound tactical basis.'

Later in 1917 the 8th Battalion was fighting in Belgium as part of the great offensive launched to the east of Ypres. Evans was wounded at Polygon Wood on 20 September. Suffering from multiple wounds he was evacuated to the 6th Field Ambulance, and then to 10th (British) Casualty Clearing Station where he died from his injuries the same day. He is buried in the Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery. Evan's brother, Private Francis Evans, was killed three weeks later while serving with 51st Battalion.

This commemorative plaque was issued to Evans' father, John, in December 1922.