Dudley Lloyd-Evans

Wing Commander Dudley Lloyd-Evans MC DFC* (1895–1972) was a Welsh-born soldier and flying ace. After being decorated for his ground service during World War I, he transferred to aviation, was credited with eight official aerial victories, and again won military honours for his valour. He remained in the Royal Air Force until the end of the Second World War.

World War I
Dudley Lloyd-Evans began his military career in the Welsh Borderers during World War I. Nothing is known of his infantry service except that he won the Military Cross for gallantry in late 1916. He then switched to the Royal Flying Corps. By mid-1918, he had been posted to 64 Squadron as a Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5a pilot. He began a run of solo aerial victories on the last day of May 1918, when he destroyed a German Albatros D.V fighter over La Bassée. He scored the second time on 25 July 1918, destroying a Fokker D.VII. Another fell under his guns on 21 August. Two days later, he destroyed a two-seater LVG reconnaissance plane over Cantin. On 3 September, he drove down a Fokker D.VII out of control for his fifth win, becoming an ace. Two days later, he drove another one down northeast of Cambrai. On 18 September 1918, he capped his career as an ace by destroying one Fokker D.VII and driving another one down. His exploits won him a Distinguished Flying Cross, gazetted after war's end.

Post World War I
Lloyd-Evans was given a short service commission as a Flight Lieutenant in the Royal Air Force on 24 October 1919. This commission was later confirmed as permanent.

He won a Bar to his Distinguished Flying Cross in lieu of a second award in 1921 for an aerial rescue sortie in Mesopotamia.

On 1 October 1937, he was promoted to Squadron Leader.

He married Margaret Ralston, daughter of Sir Harry Hope in 1939; the union made him proprietor of one of Scotland's historic old mansions, Kinnettles House.

He then rose to the rank of temporary Wing Commander on 1 June 1940.

On 10 September 1945, he reverted to retirement, retaining the rank of Wing Commander.

Dudley Lloyd-Evans died on 20 March 1972 in Cheltenham, England. He was buried in Grave A80, St. Mary Magdalene's Churchyard, Boddington, Gloucestershire.

Honours and awards

 * Military Cross

Temp. 2nd Lt. Dudley Lloyd Evans, South Wales Borderers

For conspicuous gallantry in action. He wired the portion of the enemy's intermediate line which was captured that night. Later, he led a bombing attack with great courage and initiative.


 * Distinguished Flying Cross

Lieut. (A./Capt.) Dudley Lloyd Evans, M.C. (South Wales Borderers). (FRANCE)

A brilliant fighting pilot who has carried out numerous offensive and low-bombing patrols with marked success. He has accounted for six enemy aeroplanes, and in these combats in the air he is conspicuous for dash, determination and courage.


 * Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross

Flying Officer Dudley Lloyd Evans, M.C., D.F.C., R.A.F.

For gallantry, skill and devotion to duty on the 1st November 1920, while accompanying another machine on reconnaissance. Owing to engine trouble the second machine, with pilot and observer, had to make a forced landing in hostile country. A party of mounted Arabs at once started firing at the observer, who was dismantling a Lewis gun. On seeing this, Flying Officer Evans landed at great peril to himself, took both officers his already loaded machine, and getting off with much difficulty, returned to Headquarters.