Vincent Archer Alfonso Brown
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
He was born in 1889 the second of three sons of Charles and Mary Anne Brown; John Harry, Vincent Archer Alphonso and Francis Charles (Frank). In 1891 Charles and Mary and their two eldest sons were living on West Gate, Southwell. By 1901 the family was living at 51 Kirklington Road (Jenkin's Houses), Southwell; Charles was a house painter, his eldest son, John, was an undergroom, while his two youngest sons were still at school. The youngest boy, Francis Charles (Frank), died on 15 December 1908 at the age of 17. Vincent had joined the Army earlier that year giving his address as Nottingham; he was employed as a lace hand so may have moved to Nottingham for work. By 1911 his parents were living at 7 Victoria Street, Southwell. Neither of their surviving sons were living at home but they had two boarders and a niece, Georgina Burgess (15), was also in the household on the night of the census. The same year Vincent was serving with the 2nd Bn Sherwood Foresters at Crownhill Barracks, Crownhill, RSO, Devon (Plymton). Vincent married Mary Elizabeth Haywood, a spinster, at Nottingham Register Office on 6 November 1913; there is no record of any children of the marriage. His Army Service Record shows that in 1917 his widow was living at 4 Vine Terrace, Kirklington Road, Southwell. She later remarried (Ball). Vincent's older brother, John Harry, served during the war with the 1st Bn Sherwood Foresters in the rank of corporal and died aged 31 on 25 April 1919 from the effects of wounds received in action; he left a widow, Ada.
He joined the Army on 10 February 1908 on a 12 year engagement (7 years with the Colours and 5 years with the Army Reserve), initially applying for service in KOYLI but being transferred to the Sherwood Foresters immediately after enlisting. He served at home until 7 September 1914 then embarked for France on 8 September 1914 where he served until his death in action. He served a total of 8 years 220 days. His Army Service Record notes he was buried at 'ref map France, Albert, Combined Sheet, south Ginchy.' He is now buried in Guillemont Road Cemetery, Guillemont, Somme, France. He qualified for the 1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
On enlistment he gave his place of birth as Lenton, Nottingham, but UKSDGW gives his birthplace as Sneinton, Nottingham. His few effects, a packet of post cards and correspondence, were returned to his widow, Mary Elizabeth Brown, at Vine Terrace, Southwell, in 1917. His medals were sent to her in March 1921, by which time she had remarried. Family grave, Southwell Minster: 'In loving memory of Francis Charles (Frank) youngest and dearly loved son of Charles and Mary Ann Brown who died Decr 15th 1908 in his 18th year. In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life. Also Vincent Archer Alphonso, brother of the above, killed in action Sept 13th 1916, aged 26 years, buried at Ginchy, France. Bravely did his duty. Requiesent in Pace. Also Cpl John Harry Brown, 1st Battn. Sherwood Foresters, died April 15th 1919, aged 31 years, the dearly loved husband of Ada Brown.'
