The AIF Project

William John BROWN

Regimental number272
Date of birth17 November 1872
Place of birthDrayton, Queensland
SchoolWellcamp State School, Queensland
ReligionPresbyterian
OccupationFarmer
AddressWellcamp, Toowoomba, Queensland
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation37
Next of kinFather, John Brown, Wellcamp, Toowoomba, Queensland
Previous military serviceServed in the South African (Boer) War.
Enlistment date22 August 1914
Rank on enlistmentSQSM
Unit name2nd Light Horse Regiment, B Squadron
AWM Embarkation Roll number10/7/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Brisbane, Queensland, on board Transport A15 Star of England on 24 September 1914
Rank from Nominal RollMajor
Unit from Nominal Roll2nd Light Horse Regiment
Promotions

2nd Lieutenant


Unit: 2nd Light Horse Regiment
Promotion date: 15 May 1915

Lieutenant


Unit: 2nd Light Horse Regiment
Promotion date: 1 March 1916

Captain


Unit: 2nd Light Horse Regiment
Promotion date: 1 July 1916

Major


Unit: 2nd Light Horse Regiment
Promotion date: 1 April 1918

FateReturned to Australia 16 June 1919
Medals

Distinguished Service Order

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on 14th July 1918, in command of a post near Mussulabeh which was heavily shelled. The enemy attacked it in strength, but were repulsed. Major Borwn, leaving sufficient of his garrison to protect his front, directed the bulk of his machine gun and rifle fire on to an enemy concentration in Wahi Dhib, and also took their paties attacking Abu Talbut right in reverse, inflicting heavy casualties and demoralizing the enemy. Thereby he materially assisted the counter attack by another cavalry regiment later in morning. Throughout the operations he handled his command with great coolness and judgment.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 67
Date: 3 June 1919

Discharge date4 September 1919
Other details

Understated age in order to enlist in the AIF.

War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Palestine, Sgria

Appointed Squadron Sergeant Major, 27 August 1914; 2nd Lieutenant, 15 May 1915.

Returned to Australia, 27 September 1917; re-embarked for overseas service, 2 November 1917; rejoined 2nd Light Horse Regiment, 12 January 1918.

Medals: Distinyuished Service Order, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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Date of death23 March 1938
Age at death55
Place of burialToowoomba Cemetery, Queensland

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