President of the Republic of China's neck tie

William lived near Donnington Bridge, Oxford. He was a milkman and joined up as a nurse in the RAF and was sent to India (see newspaper clip). He was transferred to China. Letter from United Hospital in China.

Tie from Chang Kai-Shek: This was handed down to me through my mother I have a neck tie that formerly belonged to the President of the Republic of China, Chiang Kai-Shek. This was given to my grandfather during WWII by the President himself in recognition of his good service as a male nursing orderly in the RAF.

My grandfather William Percival Evans (1907-80) was working as a milkman at the start of the war and living at 5 Fox Crescent, just off Weirs Lane, Oxford. Just like many other gentlemen of that time, it was not long before he was called up to serve his country and he enlisted in the RAF as a medical nurse.

Throughout the entire war he served his country loyally and to the best of his ability and his efforts were well respected and commended. His duties first took him to India and then later to China, and it was while here that he found himself at a chance meeting with Chiang Kai-Shek.

I am told that during this meeting the President approached William, who was in his smart RAF uniform, and asked him about his role in the ongoing conflict. William replied and told of his work in the RAF and his efforts in both India and China. The president responded with an apology and confessed that he had no award to offer, but in lieu the president removed his own neck tie and handed this to William as a reward in honour for his dedicated service.