10/23/2026
At just 26 years old, Lieutenant Mark Evison was leading his soldiers through Helmand Province when he was critically wounded during a firefight. Three days later, he died in a hospital in Birmingham.
Born on 17 July 1982, Mark grew up in Dulwich, South London. A gifted pianist and cellist, he earned a music scholarship to Charterhouse School. At 17, he ran the London Marathon, and later spent 11 months working on a sheep station in the Australian outback.
After graduating from Oxford Brookes University in 2006, Mark trained at Sandhurst and was commissioned into the Welsh Guards in December 2007.
He joined 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards, commanding No. 7 Platoon. His soldiers affectionately nicknamed him “007”.
In April 2009, Mark deployed to Afghanistan on Operation HERRICK 10. His platoon was based at Check Point Haji Alem in the Nad-e-Ali district of Helmand Province.
In his diary, he expressed concern about shortages of radios, medical supplies and manpower at the isolated outpost.
On 9 May, Mark led a patrol outside the checkpoint when his men came under fire. While trying to establish radio contact, he was shot near his right shoulder, suffering catastrophic blood loss.
His soldiers struggled to bring him back to safety under fire. Among those who carried him was Royal Artillery Gunner Steven Gadsby, later awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross for his bravery during the rescue.
Mark was evacuated to Camp Bastion and then flown to Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham. He died of his wounds on 12 May 2009, aged 26.
Mark was buried at Brookwood Military Cemetery in Surrey. His family later established the Mark Evison Foundation to help young people take on challenges and adventures.
Remembering:
Lieutenant Mark Lawrence Evison
25170272
No. 7 Platoon, 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards
Operation HERRICK 10, Afghanistan
Died of wounds 12 May 2009, aged 26
Lest We Forget.
