Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Richard and Maud Evans. The citation in the London Gazette dated 22nd September 1916 reads:- For conspicuous gallantry during operations. He tended the wounded of his company while the trench was under heavy shell fire. Owing to his pluck and energy five buried men were dug out and saved. He has done other fine work among the wounded.” The action mentioned in the citation was performed when John was a Lance Corporal (Acting Sergeant), service number 10000.

Source: Leicestershire War Memorials Project.
The following information was kindly provided by Ian Adderley in 2016:

"John Evans was known as Jack, he was born in Devon. He was wounded during a trench raid on the night 6-7th Feb 1917, very near to where the Cambrin to La Bassee road crossed the front line. He was leading a section armed with bangalore torpedoes, he was evacuated and died at a Casualty Clearing Station in Bethune. He was my paternal grandmothers' cousin."

Coalville Times article - Friday October 27th, 1916

DESFORD HONOURS HERO

GIFT TO SERGEANT J. EVANS D.C.M.

Sergeant John Evans, who has won the D.C.M. was recently the recipient of a present from the inhabitants of Desford. It took the form of a cigarette case, inscribed as follows, “Presented to Sergeant John Evans, D.C.L.I., from the inhabitants of Desford, on his gaining the D.C.M., 29th August, 1916”. Major Kelly presided, and the presentation was made by Mr C. Oxley, of the Industrial School. The school band attended, and played patriotic airs.

Sergeant Evans, who has two brothers serving at the Front, gained his distinction “For conspicuous gallantry during operations.” He attended the wounded of his company while the trench was under heavy shell fire. Owing to his pluck and energy, five buried men were dug out and saved.” He had done other fine work among wounded.

Research undertaken and submitted by Andy Murby 17/10/2017