Regimental number | 2779 |
Place of birth | Georgetown Queensland |
Religion | Church of England |
Occupation | Miner |
Address | Cairns, Queensland |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 20 |
Next of kin | Father, William Alexander Hugh Brown, Forsayth via Cairns, Queensland |
Enlistment date | |
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll | |
Rank on enlistment | Private |
Unit name | 47th Battalion, 6th Reinforcement |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/64/3 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Brisbane, Queensland, on board HMAT A74 Marathon on |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Lieutenant |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 45th Battalion |
Fate | Returned to Australia |
Medals |
Distinguished Conduct Medal 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in commanding his platoon with skill and ability during an attack when most of his officers and non-commissioned officers had become casualties. He established his platoon on a defensive position on the flank, and repelled a hostile counter attack, inspiring all ranks by his fine example.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 219 Date: Military Medal 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during operations East of WYTCHAETE August 7th - 16th 1917. This soldier displayed exceptional courage and endurance during his Company's tour in the line under adverse weather conditions, volunteering for all phases of work, and when his Company was relieved he remained on and acted as Scout N.C.O., for the new Company.' Second entry reads: 'At VILLERS BRETONNEUX on 1st May, 1918, he displayed consummate bravery and disregard of danger in directing the advance of the Battalion under heavy machine gun fire. When one Sector was opposed he went to its assistance with revolver and grenades and succeeding in diverting the attack, causing casualties. His presence in the line is a powerful tonic to men in the vicinity and he is a monument of courage. he made a particularly dangerous reconnaissance of enemy Posts gaining valuable information.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 15 Date: Bar to DCM 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. As scout sergeant he did splendid work, crawling through a barrage across "No Man's Land" to find out the enemy's intentions. He took a Lewis gun with him, and used it to advantage. During three and a half hours of attack he was indefatigable, collecting information, sniping, and bringing up ammunition.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 15 Date: |
Other details |
War service: Western Front Medals: Distinguished Conduct Medal & Bar, Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal |