Clarence Brown

Clarence left his job as a miner at the New Hucknall Colliery, Huthwaite enlisting in Sutton-in-Ashfield on 27th January 1915 and attested as a Grenadier Guard on 1st February 1915. After completing his training he left for France with the Expeditionary Forces on the 13th October 1915. During February 1916 Clarence was diagnosed with tuberculosis of the lungs and pleurisy. His medical records show that his condition was aggravated by exposure to the hard conditions of life on active service. It was noted that he should be treated in a Sanatorium for several months. He was eventually discharged on 28th June 1916 having served for 1 year and 148 days. For a short time he resumed his job as a miner and also worked as a storekeeper for the Mansfield Shoe Co. Clarence was awarded the British War Medal, Victory Medal and the 1914/15 Star. He also qualified for the Silver War Badge, which was given to military personnel who were discharged due to sickness

An account of Clarence’s funeral was reported in the Notts Free Press on 26th July 1918 and it is interesting to note that he was given a military funeral despite being discharged on health grounds. MILITARY FUNERAL On Sunday, the death took place of Mr Clarence brown, of 66 Chatsworth Street, who was discharged from the army some months ago through the effects of being gassed. Deceased worked as a miner for a short time after discharge, but had to give up work on account of illness, and consumption claimed him as a victim. The remains were interred in the Cemetery on Wednesday afternoon previous to which a service was held in the Chatsworth Street Congregational Church, deceased having been connected with the Victoria Street Congregational Sunday School> The Rev J Stephenson officiated. Military honours were accorded at the funeral , the remains being borne to their last resting place on a gun carriage. A firing party was present from Clipstone, and the Stanton Hill Brass band was in attendance, the last post being sounded at the graveside. A number of discharged soldiers also joined in the cortege, deceased being a member of the local Association. Mr Brown enlisted in the Grenadier Guards soon after the outbreak of war and had seen a good deal of service. Deceased who was 22 years of age, was married nine months ago and leaves a a wife to mourn his loss. Additional information courtesy of Lynne Weston