A village with a big story
Selected Biographies
Brown, Albert Ernest – Born: Sudbury, Suffolk in 1877. Parents: Stephen Brown (Railway Carriage Examiner) and Amelia Charlotte [née Ling]. Family Connections: Brother to Arthur Stephen Brown [b1876], Benjamin Isaac Brown [b1885] and Basil James Brown [b1894]; also, brother-in-law of William Henry Smith [b1890]. Home: Station Road, Long Melford (1881 to 1901), 2 Parkston Road, Harwich, Essex (1911). Occupation: Grocer’s Assistant (1901), Quay Labourer (1911). Married: Louisa in 1906. Service Record: No definitive military record has been found.
Brown, Alec Poole – Acton, Suffolk on 22.7.1892.[1] Parents: Alfred Brown of Long Melford (Builder) and Laure Elizabeth [née Poole]. Family Connections: Brother to Arthur Edward Brown [b1898], also, cousin of George Bertie Brown [b1879], Harry Charles Brown [b1880], Arthur Herbert Brown [b1883], Alfred Ernest Brown [b1888], Percy Edward Brown [b1890], Sidney Harold Brown [b1892], Charles Hilton Leonard Brown [b1895], Eric Harrie Brown [b1889] and Frank Wilson Brown [b1889]. Home: Acton Rd, Acton, Suffolk (1901, 1911), The Laurels, High Street, Acton, Suffolk [1915] to (1939). Occupation: Carpenter (1911), Master Builder (1939). Married: Ada Mary Steed in 1923. Service Record: No definitive military record has been found. Died: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk in 1977.
Brown, Alfred Ernest – Born: Stratford-le-Bow, Essex on 24.6.1887.[2] Parents: Charles Brown (Gas Fitter) and Emma [née Cadge] (Horsehair Drawer) both of Long Melford. Family Connections: Brother to George Bertie Brown [b1879], Harry Charles Brown [b1880], Arthur Herbert Brown [b1883], Percy Edward Brown [b1890], Sidney Harold Brown [b1892] and Charles Hilton Leonard Brown [b1895]; also, cousin of Eric Harrie Brown [b1889], Frank Wilson Brown [b1889], Alec Poole Brown [b1892] and Arthur Edward Brown [b1898]. Home: 114 Chandos Road, Forest Gate, Essex (1891, 1901), 70 Buxton Road, Stratford, Essex (1911). Occupation: Brass Finisher (1911). Service Record: No definitive military record has been found.
Brown, Arthur Edward – Born: Acton, Suffolk on 14.6.1898. Parents: Alfred Brown of Long Melford (Builder) and Laure Elizabeth [née Poole]. Family Connections: Brother to Alec Poole Brown [b1892]; also, cousin of George Bertie Brown [b1879], Harry Charles Brown [b1880], Arthur Herbert Brown [b1883], Alfred Ernest Brown [b1888], Percy Edward Brown [b1890], Sidney Harold Brown [b1892], Charles Hilton Leonard Brown [b1895], Eric Harrie Brown [b1889], Frank Wilson Brown [b1889]. Home: Acton Road, Acton, Suffolk (1901 and 1911), The Laurels, Acton, Suffolk [1915], St Margarets, High Street, Acton (1939). Occupation: Carpenter’s Apprentice [1915], Master Builder and Special Constable (1939). Married: Lillian Kathleen Allen in 1925. Service Record: Arthur enlisted in 1915 as a Private in the 29th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment. When he was examined by the medical officer on his mobilisation in Sudbury on 14.2.1917, he was assessed as having a grade of fitness of CII.[3] He was serving as Pte.59646 with 5th Battalion, King’s Royal Rifle Corps when he was transferred as Pte.162214 to 370th [Home Service] Company, Labour Corps. On 9.10.1917 he moved as Pte.162240 as 431st [Agricultural] Company, Labour Corps, being discharged in September 1919.[4] Died: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk in 1971.
Brown, Arthur Herbert – Born: Stratford-le-Bow, Essex on 2.8.1883. Parents: Charles Brown (Gas Fitter) and Emma [née Cadge] (Horsehair Drawer) both of Long Melford. Family Connections: Brother to George Bertie Brown [b1879], Harry Charles Brown [b1880], Alfred Ernest Brown [b1888], Percy Edward Brown [b1890], Sidney Harold Brown [b1892] and Charles Hilton Leonard Brown [b1895]; also, cousin of Eric Harrie Brown [b1889], Frank Wilson Brown [b1889], Alec Poole Brown [b1892] and Arthur Edward Brown [b1898]. Home: 114 Chandos Road, Forest Gate, Essex (1891, 1901), 10 Broxbourne Road, Forest Gate (1911). Occupation: Bricklayer (1901, 1911). Service Record: No definitive military record has been found.
Brown, Arthur Stephen – Born: Sudbury, Suffolk on 6.4.1876.[5] Parents: Stephen Brown (Railway Carriage Examiner) and Amelia Charlotte [née Ling]. Family Connections: Brother to Albert Ernest Brown [b1877], Benjamin Isaac Brown [b1885] and Basil James Brown [b1894]; also, brother-in-law of William Henry Smith [b1890]. Home: Station Road, Long Melford (1881 to 1901), Police Station, Mildenhall, Suffolk (1911), Police Station, Ixworth, Suffolk [1932], Fyfield House, The Street, Ixworth (1939) to [1944]. Occupation: Police Constable (1911), Police Inspector [1932], Retired Police Inspector and ARP Warden (1939). Married: Bertha Ann Rawlinson in 1908. Service Record: No definitive military record has been found. Died: Ixworth, Suffolk on 26.2.1944.
Brown, Audley John – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 27.11.1889.[6] Parents: Stephen Brown (Railway Carriage Examiner) and Amelia Charlotte [née Ling]. Family Connections: Brother to Arthur Stephen Brown [b1876], Albert Ernest Brown [b1877], Benjamin Isaac Brown [b1885] and Basil James Brown [b1894]; also, brother-in-law of William Henry Smith [b1890]. Home: Station Road, Long Melford (1891 to 1911). Occupation: Baker (1911). Married: Fanny Pooley in 1934. Service Record: Audley enlisted as Pte.14296 with 9th [Service] Battalion, Suffolk Regiment, transferring as Pte.52419 to 2nd Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment being posted to France from 31.8.1915 as part of 24th Brigade, 8th Division. The Battalion saw action at the Battle of Albert, the opening phase of the Somme Offensive of 1916 and during the Third Battles of Ypres in 1917.[7] Died: Ipswich, Suffolk in 1950.
Brown, Basil James – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 15.8.1894.[8] Parents: Stephen Brown (Railway Carriage Examiner) and Amelia Charlotte [née Ling]. Family Connections: Brother to Arthur Stephen Brown [b1876], Albert Ernest Brown [b1877], Benjamin Isaac Brown [b1885] and Audley John Brown [b1890], also brother-in-law of William Henry Smith [b1890]. Home: Station Road, Long Melford (1901 and 1911). Occupation: Baker (1911). Service Record: At the Melford Military Service Tribunal in March 1916 Charles Coley a baker from Hall Street applied for exemption for Basil Brown. He had already lost two men, Coley stated, and Brown was vital to the business, helping produce and distribute 400 loaves a day. The Tribunal refused the application.[9] Basil was conscripted as Pte.S4/184552 with the Army Service Corps, transferring as Pte.28246 to 15th [Hampshire Yeomanry] Battalion, Hampshire Regiment as part of 122nd Brigade, 41st Division.[10] Died: Private Brown was killed in action on 23.3.1918 at Mory, as a result of enemy shellfire during the German Spring Offensive and is commemorated both on the Arras Memorial [bay 6], in Faubourg d’Amiens British Cemetery, Pas-de-Calais and the Long Melford War Memorial.[11]
Brown, Benjamin Isaac – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 7.11.1885.[12] Parents: Stephen Brown (Railway Carriage Examiner) and Amelia Charlotte [née Ling]. Family Connections: Brother to Arthur Stephen Brown [b1876], Albert Ernest Brown [b1877], Audley John Brown [b1890] and Basil James Brown [b1894]; also, brother-in-law of William Henry Smith [b1890]. Home: Station Road, Long Melford (1901 and 1939). Occupation: Printer’s Apprentice (1901), Bricklayer (1911 to 1939). Married: Elsie Boydon in 1913. Service Record: At the Melford Military Service Tribunal in March 1916 Harry Bell a local builder applied for Benjamin’s exemption, which was granted for four months. Bell applied again in October 1916, March 1917, and the following September each time being granted a similar period of exemption. The case was still in progress in June 1918 when it was adjourned to the following September at which time Brown was granted exemption for three months.[13] It is not known if he was conscripted at the end this period, although this would seem unlikely as the Armistice came into force before his certificate had expired. Died: Sudbury, Suffolk in 1944.
Brown, Bertram Charles – Born: Strood, Kent in 1885. Parents: James Adams Brown (Licenced Victualler) and Agnes Ann [née Waller]. Family Connections: Brother to Herbert Ernest Brown [b1874], Frank Oscar Brown [b1877], Howard Heath Brown [b1878], Walter Raynham Brown [b1883] and George Frederick Brown [b1889] of Long Melford. Home: 35 Gladstone Avenue, Noel Park, Wood Green, Middlesex [1885], Bull Hotel, Hall Street, Long Melford (1891), The Holbrook, Whitehall Road, Milton, Gravesend, Kent (1901), emigrated to Australia. Occupation: Warehouseman [1915]. Married: Grace Lillian Trinder. Service Record: Charles enlisted on 10.2.1915 as Pte.1133 with 18th Battalion, 5th Brigade, Australian Imperial Force. He was posted to Gallipoli and wounded in action on 22.8.1915 during the attack on Hill 60. In March 1916 he was posted to France, transferring to 18th Battalion at the end of August as part of 5th Australian Brigade, 2nd Australian Division. At some point during his time on the Western Front he was attached to the 2nd Machine Gun Battalion and may have been serving with this unit when he was wounded on two further occasions: on 20.9.1917 at the Battle of the Menin Road during the Third Battle of Ypres, and again on 3.5.1918 at the Battle of Bullecourt. Charles received his discharge in November 1919.[14] Died: Balmain, New South Wales in 1955.
Brown [BSC], Charles Hilton Leonard – Born: West Ham, Essex on 16.11.1894.[15] Parents: Charles Brown (Gas Fitter) and Emma [née Cadge] (Horsehair Drawer) both of Long Melford. Family Connections: Brother to George Bertie Brown [b1879], Harry Charles Brown [b1880], Arthur Herbert Brown [b1883], Alfred Ernest Brown [b1888], Percy Edward Brown [b1890] and Sidney Harold Brown [b1892]; also, cousin of Eric Harrie Brown [b1889], Frank Wilson Brown [b1889], Alec Poole Brown [b1892] and Arthur Edward Brown [b1898]. Home: 114 Chandos Road, Forest Gate, Essex (1901), 70 Buxton Road, Stratford, Essex (1911), 21 Grove Crescent Road, Stratford [1914], Oakland Lodge, Ashtead, Surrey [1929, 1930], Empire House, St Martins-le-Grand, London [business address 1930-1939], 3 Eastcote, Orpington, Kent [1931 to 1938], Woodlea, Brockhill Road, West Malvern, Worcestershire [1964].[16] Occupation: Student Teacher [1914], Actuary [1930 to 1938], Co-Author of Friendly Societies [1933]. Married: Louisa Nock in 1925. Service Record: Charles enlisted on 8.12.1914 as Pte.6067 with 19th [Service] Battalion [2nd Public Schools], Royal Fusiliers [City of London Regiment], being posted to the Western Front on 15.11.1915 as part of 98th Brigade, 33rd Division. On 28.5.1916 he was transferred to 24th [Service] Battalion [2nd Sportsman’s], Royal Fusiliers as part of 5th Brigade, 2nd Division, his unit seeing action at the Battle of Delville Wood, one of many battles during the Somme Offensive of 1916. Towards the end of September 1916 Charles was transferred again, this time as Spr.WR/28134 to 199th [Quarrying] Company, Royal Engineers, where he was promoted to Sergeant the following year. The principal task of this unit was to quarry stone for use in the repair or construction of roads affecting logistical lines of support. After 1917 he was issued with the new regimental number 313477, receiving his discharge in March 1919.[17] Died: Redhill, Surrey on 11.5.1964.[18]
Brown, David Holden – Born: Glemsford, Suffolk on 18.1.1899.[19] Parents: James Brown (Coconut Mat Maker) and Florence Clarissa [née Plume]. Family Connections: Brother to Obed William Brown [b1897] and Rufus Albert Brown [b1903]. Home: Churchgate, Glemsford (1901 to 1921), 5 Lion Road, Glemsford (1939) to [1974]. Occupation: Carpenter for Harry Debenham, Builder of Glemsford (1921), Joiner (1939). Married: Ellen Selina Hartley in 1928. Service Record: David was conscripted on 26.2.1917 as Pte.G/67697 with 7th [Service] Battalion, Queen’s [Royal West Surrey Regiment]. He was posted to France as part of 55th Brigade, 18th [Eastern] Division and probably saw action during Arras Offensive and the Third Battles of Ypres in 1917. He was discharged in March 1919 and awarded an Army pension.[20] Died: Glemsford, Suffolk on 25.8.1974.[21]
Brown, Eric Harrie – Born: Belgravia, London on 17.12.1888.[22] Parents: Robert Brown of Long Melford and Harriett [née Ward] (Cook). Family Connections: Brother to Frank Wilson Brown [b1889]; also, cousin of George Bertie Brown [b1879], Harry Charles Brown [b1880], Arthur Herbert Brown [b1883], Alfred Ernest Brown [b1888], Percy Edward Brown [b1890], Sidney Harold Brown [b1892], Charles Hilton Leonard Brown [b1895], Alec Poole Brown [b1892] and Arthur Edward Brown [b1898]. Home: 51 Victoria Road, Kensington, London (1891, 1901), 26 Applegarth Road, West Kensington, London (1911), 89 Moorside Road, Eccleshill, Yorkshire [1933], 46 Victoria Gardens, Horsworth, Yorks (1939) to [1942]. Occupation: Draughtsman (1911), Engineer [1933], Machine Shop Foreman (1939). Married: Ivy Margaret Heslop (Nurse) in 1933. Service Record: Eric was conscripted on 29.12.1915 as No.16980 of the Royal Flying Corps, being transferred on 1.4.1918 to the Royal Air Force and promoted to Chief Mechanic in December 1918, receiving his discharge in 1920.[23] Died: Leeds, Yorks on 26.3.1942.[24]
Brown, Frank Oscar – Born: Higham, Kent in 1877. Parents: James Adams Brown (Licenced Victualler) and Agnes Ann [née Waller]. Family Connections: Brother to Herbert Ernest Brown [b1874], Howard Heath Brown [b1878], Walter Raynham Brown [b1883], Bertram Charles Brown [b1885] and George Frederick Brown [b1889] of Long Melford. Home: The Falstaff Inn, Higham, Kent (1881), Bull Hotel, Hall Street, Long Melford (1891). Service Record: No definitive military record has been found.
Brown, Frank Wilson – Born: Kensington, London on 5.10.1889.[25] Parents: Robert Brown of Long Melford and Harriett [née Ward] (Cook). Family Connections: Brother to Eric Harrie Brown [b1889]; also, cousin of George Bertie Brown [b1879], Harry Charles Brown [b1880], Arthur Herbert Brown [b1883], Alfred Ernest Brown [b1888], Percy Edward Brown [b1890], Sidney Harold Brown [b1892], Charles Hilton Leonard Brown [b1895], Alec Poole Brown [b1892] and Arthur Edward Brown [b1898]. Home: 51 Victoria Road, Kensington, London (1891, 1901), 26 Applegarth Road, West Kensington, London (1911), 64 Earls Court Road, Kensington [1917], 6 Mapleton Crescent, Enfield, Middlesex (1939), Stockholm, Otford Lane, Halstead, Kent [1957]. Occupation: Telephone Engineer (1911), Jointer’s Labourer (1939). Married: Agnes Louisa Pratt in 1917. Service Record: No definitive military record has been found. Died: Tonbridge, Kent 1957.
Brown, George Bertie – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 21.7.1878.[26] Parents: Charles Brown (Gas Fitter) and Emma [née Cadge] (Horsehair Drawer). Family Connections: Brother to Harry Charles Brown [b1880], Arthur Herbert Brown [b1883], Alfred Ernest Brown [b1888], Percy Edward Brown [b1890], Sidney Harold Brown [b1892] and Charles Hilton Leonard Brown [b1895]; also, cousin of Eric Harrie Brown [b1889], Frank Wilson Brown [b1889], Alec Poole Brown [b1892] and Arthur Edward Brown [b1898]. Home: Hall Street, Long Melford (1881), 114 Chandos Road, Forest Gate, Essex (1891, 1901), 28 Waverley Road, South Woodford, Essex (1911), Melford Hall Hotel, St Peters Road, East Cliff, Bournemouth, Hampshire (1939). Occupation: Carpenter (1901, 1911), Joiner (1939). Married: Beatrice Charlotte Jones in 1904. Service Record: Although no definitive military record has been found George may have enlisted as RMA/8909, a Musician with the Royal Marine Artillery, purchasing his discharge in 1905. If this assumption is correct, then he may also have served with the Royal Marines during the First World War.[27] Died: Southwest Essex on 21.1.1944.
Brown, George Frederick – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk in 1889. Parents: James Adams Brown (Licenced Victualler) and Agnes Ann [née Waller]. Family Connections: Brother to Herbert Ernest Brown [b1874], Frank Oscar Brown [b1877], Howard Heath Brown [b1878], Walter Raynham Brown [b1883] and Bertram Charles Brown [b1885]. Home: Bull Hotel, Hall Street, Long Melford (1891), The Holbrook, Whitehall Road, Milton, Gravesend, Kent (1901). Service Record: No definitive military record has been found.
Brown [OBE], Harry Charles – Born: Long Melford, Suffolk on 2.4.1880.[28] Parents: Charles Brown (Gas Fitter) and Emma [née Cadge] (Horsehair Drawer). Family Connections: Brother to George Bertie Brown [b1879], Arthur Herbert Brown [b1883], Alfred Ernest Brown [b1888], Percy Edward Brown [b1890], Sidney Harold Brown [b1892] and Charles Hilton Leonard Brown [b1895]; also, cousin of Eric Harrie Brown [b1889], Frank Wilson Brown [b1889], Alec Poole Brown [b1892] and Arthur Edward Brown [b1898]. Home: Hall Street, Long Melford (1881), 114 Chandos Road, Forest Gate, Essex (1891), Queens Gardens, Margate, Kent (1901), 6 Warwick Road, Cliftonville, Margate (1911), Melford Hall Hotel, St Peters Road, East Cliff, Bournemouth, Hampshire (1939), 11 Wootton Gardens, Bournemouth [1962]. Occupation: Hotel Chef (1901, 1911), Hotel Proprietor (1939). Married: Amy Elizabeth Frances Burton in 1902. Service Record: No definitive military record has been found. In 1903 Harry was initiated into mysteries of Freemasonry becoming a member of the St Johns Thanet Lodge.[29] In 1944 he was elected Mayor of Bournemouth and it is possibly around this time that he was made an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. Died: Bournemouth, Hants on 11.9.1962.[30]
Brown, Herbert Ernest – Born: Higham, Kent in 1875. Parents: James Adams Brown (Licenced Victualler) and Agnes Ann [née Waller]. Family Connections: Brother to Frank Oscar Brown [b1877], Howard Heath Brown [b1878], Walter Raynham Brown [b1883], Bertram Charles Brown [b1885] and George Frederick Brown [b1889] of Long Melford. Home: The Falstaff Inn, Higham, Kent (1881), 125 Taunton Road, Lewisham, London (1891), emigrated to Australia. Occupation: Draper’s Apprentice (1891). Married: Ethel May Rhodes in 1903. Service Record: No definitive military record has been found. Died: New South Wales, Australia on 23.4.1956.
Brown, Howard Heath – Born: Higham, Kent in 1878. Parents: James Adams Brown (Licenced Victualler) and Agnes Ann [née Waller]. Family Connections: Brother to Herbert Ernest Brown [b1874], Frank Oscar Brown [b1877], Walter Raynham Brown [b1883], Bertram Charles Brown [b1885] and George Frederick Brown [b1889] of Long Melford. Home: The Falstaff Inn, Higham, Kent (1881), Bull Hotel, Hall Street, Long Melford (1891), Durban, South Africa [1965]. Occupation: Butcher [1900]. Married: Winnie Rowe. Service Record: Howard enlisted in 1901 as Pte.6013 with 39th [Berkshire] Company, 10th Battalion, Imperial Yeomanry, posted to South Africa from 1900 to 1901, receiving his discharge in Johannesburg in 1901.[31] Died: Durban, Natal, South Africa in 1965.
Brown, Obed William – Born: Glemsford, Suffolk on 17.2.1897.[32] Parents: James Brown (Coconut Mat Maker) and Florence Clarissa [née Plume]. Family Connections: Brother to David Holden Brown [b1899] and Rufus Albert Brown [b1903]. Home: Churchgate, Glemsford (1901 to 1911). Married: Mabel Charlotte Boxall [née Gibson] in 1950. Service Record: Obed enlisted as Pte.4417 with 4th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment, transferring as Pte.41955 to 5th Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment. His record card suggests he was later returned to the Suffolks and was given two further regimental numbers, as Pte.70956 and Pte.5820943, the specific battalions however are unknown.[33] Died: Deben, Suffolk on 11.2.1984 and buried in St James Churchyard, Stanstead, Suffolk.[34]
Brown, Percy Edward – Born: Stratford-le-Bow, Essex in 1890. Parents: Charles Brown (Gas Fitter) and Emma [née Cadge] (Horsehair Drawer) both of Long Melford. Family Connections: Brother to George Bertie Brown [b1879], Harry Charles Brown [b1880], Arthur Herbert Brown [b1883], Alfred Ernest Brown [b1888], Sidney Harold Brown [b1892] and Charles Hilton Leonard Brown [b1895]; also, cousin of Eric Harrie Brown [b1889], Frank Wilson Brown [b1889], Alec Poole Brown [b1892] and Arthur Edward Brown [b1898]. Home: 114 Chandos Road, Forest Gate, Essex (1891, 1901), visiting John Smith at The Green, Acton, Suffolk (1911). Occupation: Brass Finisher (1911). Service Record: No definitive military record has been found.
Brown, Rufus Albert – Born: Glemsford, Suffolk on 2.9.1903.[35] Parents: James Brown (Coconut Mat Maker) and Florence Clarissa [née Plume]. Family Connections: Brother to Obed William Brown [b1897] and David Holden Brown [b1899]. Home: Churchgate, Glemsford (1911 to 1921), Hall Street, Long Melford (1939), 1 Orchards, Hall Street, Long Melford [1972]. Occupation: Flax Worker (1921), Bricklayer’s Foreman (1939). Married: Pearl May Hendry in 1931. Service Record: Rufus joined the Local Defence Volunteers in Long Melford when it was formed in August 1942 as ‘H’ Company, 10th Battalion, Suffolk Home Guard. His name is recorded in the official tribute to the organization entitled The Lion Roared his Defiance, photographed in and around Long Melford in 1944.[36] Died: Long Melford, Suffolk on 27.5.1972.[37]
Brown, Sidney Harold – Born: West Ham, Essex on 5.5.1892.[38] Parents: Charles Brown (Gas Fitter) and Emma [née Cadge] (Horsehair Drawer) both of Long Melford. Family Connections: Brother to George Bertie Brown [b1879], Harry Charles Brown [b1880], Arthur Herbert Brown [b1883], Alfred Ernest Brown [b1888], Percy Edward Brown [b1890] and Charles Hilton Leonard Brown [b1895]; also, cousin of Eric Harrie Brown [b1889], Frank Wilson Brown [b1889], Alec Poole Brown [b1892] and Arthur Edward Brown [b1898]. Home: 114 Chandos Road, Forest Gate, Essex (1901), 70 Buxton Road, Stratford, Essex (1911), 79 Ashgrove Road, Ilford, Essex (1939) to [1944]. Occupation: Tool Maker’s Apprentice (1911), Tool, Press Stamp and Machine Shop Manager (1939). Married: Alice Florence Nevard in 1913. Service Record: No definitive military record has been found. Died: Ilford, Essex on 3.8.1944.[39]
Brown, Walter Raynham – Born: Higham, Kent in 1883. Parents: James Adams Brown (Licenced Victualler) and Agnes Ann [née Waller]. Family Connections: Brother to Herbert Ernest Brown [b1874], Frank Oscar Brown [b1877], Howard Heath Brown [b1878], Bertram Charles Brown [b1885] and George Frederick Brown [b1889] of Long Melford. Home: The Falstaff Inn, Higham, Kent (1881), 35 Gladstone Avenue, Noel Park, Wood Green, Middlesex [1885], Bull Hotel, Hall St, Long Melford (1891), The Holbrook, Whitehall Road, Milton, Gravesend, Kent (1901), Lambasa, Fiji [1916].[40] Occupation: Builder’s Clerk (1901). Service Record: No definitive military record has been found.
Brown, Willie Lewis – Born: Ballingdon, Essex in 1876. Parents: George Brown (Groom) and Emma [née Leeks] of Long Melford. Home: 82 Ballingdon Street, Sudbury, Suffolk (1881 and 1891), 29 Townsend Street, Southwark, London (1901), 42 Whateley Road, East Dulwich, London (1911), 29 Tell Grove, Melbourne Grove, East Dulwich [1916]. Occupation: Groom (1891), Taxicab Driver (1901 and 1911). Married: Eleanor Moore in 1898. Service Record: Willie enlisted on 9.4.1915 as Pte.M2/073928 with 359th [Mechanical Transport] Company, Army Service Corps and was posted to France from 14.4.1915 to 14.3.1916. He transferred to 621st [MT] Company, ASC, being issued with a Silver War Badge and discharged on 2.7.1916, due to sickness.[41] Died: Camberwell, London in 1932.
Related Biography
Smith, William Henry – Born: Sudbury, Suffolk on 6.10.1890.[42] Parents: William Smith (Maltster) and Eliza [née Underwood]. Family Connections: Brother to Frederick Smith [b1894] and Thomas Curtis Smith [b1905]; also, brother-in-law of Arthur Stephen Brown [b1876], Albert Ernest Brown [b1877], Benjamin Isaac Brown [b1885], Audley John Brown [b1890], Basil James Brown [b1894], Bertie Ranson [b1888]. Home: Shimpling Hall Cottages, Shimpling (1901), 2 Station Road, Hayes, Middlesex (1911), Hall Street, Long Melford [1916], 2 Withindale Cottages, Station Road, Long Melford (1939), 6 Rodbridge Hill, Long Melford [1942]. Occupation: Bootmaker and Repairer (1911 to 1939). Married: Ida Elizabeth Brown of Long Melford in 1916. Service Record: At the Melford Military Service Tribunal in March 1916 William applied for time to settle his business matters having been conscripted on 4.2.1916. Temporary exemption was granted for one month.[43] By the time of his marriage three months later he is recorded as a serving soldier although the unit is not recorded.[44]
Notes – [1] Date of birth taken from the 1939 Register. [2] Date of birth from the 1939 Register for Melford Rural District. [3] The grading of CII on the 19-year-old Arthur’s Service Record implies that his state of health well below that required for a fighting man. In a House of Commons debate on the subject in June 1918, it was noted that the prospective soldier with such a grade should be ‘free from serious organic disease, able to walk to and from work a distance not exceeding five miles and hear sufficiently well for ordinary purposes.’ A soldier given this grade is only one removed from the very minimum considered acceptable for the British Army during the Great War. For more information on the grading system see the Hansard report of the debate on 20.6.1918, which can be found online at http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1918/jun/20/military-service-medical-grading. [4] Soldiers’ Documents, First World War ‘Burnt Documents’ [WO 363]. [5] Date of birth taken from the 1939 Register. [6] Date of birth from the Baptism Register 2.1.1890, St Catherines Mission Church, Long Melford. [7] For details of 2nd Northamptonshire’s movements see War Diary [WO 95/1722/1-2]. See also his Service Medal and Award Rolls 1914-1918 [WO 329] and Service Medal and Award Rolls Index Cards 1914-1922 [WO 372]. [8] Date of birth from the Baptism Register 20.9.1894, St Catherines Mission Church, Long Melford. [9] For the Tribunal’s ruling see Suffolk and Essex Free Press 22.3.1916. [10] For details of Hampshire Yeomanry’s involvement see [WO 95/2634/6]. See also his Service Medal and Award Rolls 1914-1918 [WO 329] and Service Medal and Award Rolls Index Cards 1914-1922 [WO 372]. [11] Commonwealth War Graves Commission record and British Army Registers of Soldiers’ Effects, 1901-1929 file [ref: 687569]. [12] Date of birth from the Baptism Register 15.12.1885, St Peters Church, Sudbury, Suffolk. [13] For the Tribunal’s rulings see Suffolk and Essex Free Press 11.10.1916, 28.3.1917, 19.9.1917 and 4.9.1918. [14] Australian Service Record [National Archives of Australia – ref: B2455]. [15] Date of birth taken from the Baptism Register for 12.12.1894 of St Pauls Church, Stratford-le-Bow, Essex. [16] Addresses from Kelly’s Directory and the Electoral Roll. [17] Soldiers’ Documents, First World War ‘Burnt Documents’ [WO 363], Service Medal and Award Rolls 1914-1918 [WO 329], and Service Medal and Award Rolls Index Cards 1914-1922 [WO 372]. [18] Date of death from the National Probate Calendar. [19] 1939 Register. [20] Medal Roll [WO 329] and Medal Index Card [WO 372]. [21] National Probate Calendar. [22] Date of birth taken from the 1939 Register. [23] Air Member for Personnel and predecessors: Airman’s Records [AIR 79/191]. [24] Date of death from the National Probate Calendar. [25] Date of birth taken from the 1939 Register. [26] Date of birth taken from the 1939 Register. [27] During his career with the Royal Marines, he was issued with other numbers viz: RMB/590, RMA/11133 and RMA/343689. See also Royal Navy Registers of Seaman’s Services [ADM 188/520/343689]. [28] Date of birth taken from the 1939 Register. [29] Freemasonry Membership Records. [30] Date of death from the National Probate Calendar. [31] Soldiers’ Documents, First World War ‘Burnt Documents’ [WO 363]. [32] Date of birth from Admissions Register of 1.2.1904 for Glemsford Boys’ Board School. [33] Medal Roll [WO 329] and Medal Index Card [WO 372/124475]. [34] Date death taken from his grave marker. [35] 1939 Register. [36] Published by Marten & Son, Ltd., of Market Hill, Sudbury, Suffolk in 1946. [37] National Probate Calendar. [38] Date of birth taken from the 1939 Register. [39] Date of death from the National Probate Calendar. [40] Fiji Royal Gazette Electoral Roll. [41] Soldiers’ Documents, First World War ‘Burnt Documents’ [WO 363], Service Medal and Award Rolls, First World War, Silver War Badge [WO 329] record [ref: 84243], Service Medal and Award Rolls 1914-1918 [WO 329] and Service Medal and Award Rolls Index Cards 1914-1922 [WO 372]. [42] Date of birth from the 1939 Register for Long Melford. [43] For the Tribunal’s ruling see Suffolk and Essex Free Press 8.3.1916. [44] Military status taken from Marriage Register 12.6.1916, Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford.
Genealogical Tables
