George William Brown
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
George William was the son of William and Jane Brown. He was twice married and had two children by his first wife: Jessie Alice b. 1909 and George Edwin b. 1911. His first wife was Amy Alice (Banham) whom he married on 18 August 1908 at Plumtree, Nottinghamshire 1911 census - Plumtree Nottinghamshire - George William Brown, head, 28, born Diseworth Leicestershire; Amy Alice, wife, 23; Jessie Alice, daur, 1; also with mother-in-law, sister-in-law and two brothers-in-law. His second wife was Florence whom he married on 3 August 1914. His two children were awarded a pension of 19 shillings and 2 pence after his death but Florence did not receive a pension.
87900 Private George William Brown attested at Ilkeston on 5 June 1917 and on 7th was at the Depot in Derby. He had shown a preference to join the ASC but was assigned to the Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment). He was listed as a butcher, 35 years 9 months of age and 5 feet 6 inches. He entered theatre (France) on 7 September 1917 and joined the 16th battalion (Chatsworth Rifles). The 16th battalion was reduced to a training cadre on 16 May 1918 under the Army reorganisation and George was posted to the 1st battalion on 17 June 1918. On 27 August 1918, the battalion was in the area of Oppy Wood and at 1 a.m. 'B' company were tasked with taking part of the enemy front line and after initial problems because of the dark managed this. The German commander realised that the trench was not held in great force and counter attacked, bombing through the communication trench and being supported by machine gun fire. 'B' company were running short of bombs (grenades) and the forward elements had to be withdrawn to a better line. It left the battalion holding 1500 yards of front line with only two companies but they held until units could move up to strengthen the position. George was one of 21 other ranks killed. Major-General Heneker wrote - ' I can always rely on the 1st Sherwood Foresters to do the right thing' 2/Lt Harry Greaves won the first of his three Military Crosses during this time (brother of Fred Greaves VC). George was killed in action and was buried in La Targette British Cemetery (grave ref. 4.b.8) which was used by Field Ambulances and fighting units.
Soldiers Died in the Great War - Brown George William, born Diseworth Leicestershire, enlisted Derby, abode Keyworth Nottinghamshire, 87900, Private, killed in action, France and Flanders, 27/8/18. Nottingham Evening Post, Roll of Honour, 1 October 1918: ‘Brown. Killed in action, August 27th, 1918, Pte. GW Brown, Sherwood Foresters (late butcher, Keyworth). Wife and children. (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
