Ernest A. Brown
Corporal 203874
2nd Battalion Oxford & Bucks. Light Infantry
William Frederick Brown
Private 201425
5th Battalion Royal Berkshire Regt.
Division 15
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Ernest and William Brown are pictured with their brother in Berkshire and The War. Gunner L. H. Brown, served with the Machine Gun Corps., he probably survived the war. Ernest and Frederick are commemorated on the headstone of the grave of their grandfather. They were the sons of William J. and Ellen Brown, 651, Oxford Rd. Reading.
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The Standard September 15th 1917 printed the notification of the death of Ernest Brown. He was killed during the 3rd Battle of Ypres.
“In everlasting memory of my dear husband, Corporal. E. A. Brown, Oxford and Bucks. Light Infantry killed in action August 16th 1917.”
Oh, how I longed to see him
After victory won,
But God thought it best to take him
Before the fight was won.
Sleep on dear Ern, in your lonely grave,
A grave I may never see,
But as long as life and memory last
I will remember thee.”
Ernest Brown is buried in New Irish Farm Cemetery, Location XI.F.13.
Frederick’s wife Francis Violet Brown posted the notification of his death. Her address was given as 31 Manchester Rd., Reading. Frederick was killed in action, on the 5th April 1918. His death occurred during the Battle of Albert, he was aged 28. At the time the British were being driven back by the Germans who had launched their major offensive in the spring.
No loving friends stood round his bed,
No loving mother closed his eyes,
No roof above his brave young head,
Only France’s cloudy skies;
No bell to toll the mournful tale,
With sad but kindly tone,
But we know he’s gone to a better vale,
His Heavenly Father’s throne.
William Brown has no known grave and is commemorated on the Pozieres Memorial Panel 56 & 57.