Lt Mark Evison

Mark Evison was a gregarious, adventurous and hugely talented individual who thrived on the prospect of a challenge and any opportunity to better himself culturally, intellectually or physically: most importantly for a leader, he was brave and fearless, as he continued to challenge himself in many ways. He always took pride in consideration of others, encouraging others, and team work.

Mark could turn his hand to most things, and his determination would lead to achievement more often than not. He had a ‘nothing is impossible attitude,’ combined with fun, enthusiasm, and just being a really nice guy.

Mark led a charmed life in many ways, because of who he was: he was charismatic, caring, optimistic, and apparently always happy, and he drew to himself a wide circle of friends from all walks of life. He was born in 1982, in Dulwich, South London. He was devoted to his family. His early hallmarks were his cheerfulness under almost all circumstances, curiosity and energy. He loved music, and from Dulwich College won a music scholarship at age 16 to Charterhouse School, Godalming, playing the ‘cello and the piano.

Mark was a natural sportsman and excelled at all sports, at age 17 running the London Marathon in 3 hours 14 minutes, raising money for a charity providing support services in a deprived area of South London. He spent 11 months as a jackaroo on a 300,000 acre sheep station in the Australian outback, endearing himself to the outback lads. He did the Three Peaks’ Challenge in 22 hours in 2004.

In March 2006 he trained for 2 weeks up in Norway doing glacier training, living in sub-zero conditions, and building an igloo: this was in preparation for his aim to be the youngest person to walk unaided to the South Pole, which unfortunately he was not able to realise for financial reasons.

He trekked across Northern Spain in 2006 in 18 days to raise money for ‘For Dementia’. At Sandhurst Army Officer training in 2007 he organised an adventurous training expedition to the Jebel Akdhar Mountains of Oman.

 
 

Mark was commissioned by the Welsh Guards in December 2007, where he was serving as a platoon commander: he loved the army and its comradeship, care, adventure, respect and courtesy.

He was described as having an outstanding start to his career in the Army and in an early Army report as being ...

... ‘an exceptionally impressive young officer. He is bright, positive, fit, robust and charismatic…. Importantly he is set apart from his contemporaries because he combines real talent with great humility and charm. He also maintains many interests outside the army and is a talented musician. … His soldiers have nicknamed him ‘007’ which, whilst humorous, does indicate their respect for his ability.

He cares very deeply for his men and takes great trouble to ensure than they never want for anything. … Lt Evison is the best platoon commander in my company, and he is the most junior …. (He) displays more potential than any officer with whom I have worked.

His manner, intellect and tactical acumen, combined with his humility, bode well for a notable military future.’

Mark lit up many lives in his 26 years: everyone who knew him loved him. But he achieved that through a sense of fun, a sense of adventure, and a willingness to take reasonable risks: he constantly tried to better himself both physically and mentally, and be considerate to the needs of others. As he continued he gained in confidence and maturity, and became a leader whom others were very happy to follow.

Mark died as a result of by enemy fire in Afghanistan on 12 May 2009. Whilst injured he continued to try to get his men to safety.