Wilfred Brown
- Family History
- Military History
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Wilfred Brown was the son of William and Hannah Brown born in 1885 at Turnerwood near Shireoaks and later of The Polars, Shireoaks near Worksop. He was the second of five children. Their father became a Deputy at the local colliery. In 1901, Wilfred was taken on as a blacksmiths apprentice but ten years later was working as a coal miner.
Pte. Wilfred Brown Worksop Guardian 19 October 1917 Another Shireoaks soldier to be killed in action is Pte. Wilfred Brown, Sherwood Foresters, who fell in the fight for freedom on September 26th? He was 32 years of age, a fine type of man, steady and well conducted, and a gallant soldier. He enlisted on October 30th, 1914, and went through the Irish Rebellion. He was drafted to France in February of this year. He was an old Volunteer, and prior to the war he worked at Shireoaks Colliery. Few, if any, of the Shireoaks men with the Forces would be more missed than Pte. Brown will be, the deceased having spent his life there and at Turner Wood. Letters have been received from his Captain, Serge. Major and Sergeant. Much sympathy is expressed, and many letters have been received by his parents from his numerous friends and acquaintances. In his letter Serge. Johnson says:-“Billie” (as he was known to his chums), was highly respected by all who knew him. He had been attached to my squad for a considerable time and was one of the most reliable and trustworthy men I have ever had- always willing, and ever ready at the call of duty. The blow to me is great one losing such a dear comrade. What must it be for you! May God give you strength to bear the burden of this great sorrow? There is little consolation in knowing that he gave his life in such a noble way for his King and Country, for it is men like your son that have upheld the honour of England, and I pray God will rest his soul. On behalf of my squad, I again tender you our heartfelt sympathy:-Yours sincerely, Serge. W. H. Johnson”. At Choral Celebration of Holy Communion on Sunday at St. Lukes Church, appropriate hymns and prayers were used, and before his sermon the Rev. H. Cowgill made suitable and touching references to the sacrifice paid by Pte. Brown and other local lads, in the cause of right. At the close of the service the “Last Post” was sounded by a bugler from St. Cuthbert’s College.
He is remembered on the Tyne cot Memorial. Research by Colin Dannatt
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