The 78th Division took part in the Allied invasion of Sicily and the Italian Campaign. In December 1943, Evelegh exchanged commands with Major General Charles Keightley, the commander of the 6th Armoured Division. From 16 February to 18 March 1944, during the Battle of Anzio, he served as a deputy commander of the US VI Corps under Major General John P. Lucas, later replaced by Major General Lucian Truscott. On 23 March 1944 he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order "in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field".