Vincent Brown
- Family History
- Military History
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Vincent Brown was born in 1896 in Old Basford and was the younger son of James and Jane Elizabeth Brown née Webster. His father James was born in 1854 in Old Basford and his mother Jane Elizabeth Webster was born in 1860 in Hyson Green. They were married in 1883 and their marriage was recorded in the Basford Registration district. They had four children one sadly died in infancy before 1911. Their surviving children were all born in Old Basford; Nora Maud b1886, Wallace b1888 and Vincent b1896. In the 1911 census the family was living at 78 Percy Street and shown as James 57 yrs a grocer and provisions dealer, his wife Jane 51 yrs who was assisting in her husband's business, and their children Nora Maud 24 yrs also assisting in the business, Wallace 23 yrs a clerk in a lace warehouse and Vincent 15 yrs a draper's assistant. The notice of Vincent's death in the local paper gives his father's address as 'Brooklyn', Nottingham Road, and late of 76 Percy Street, Old Basford. His mother died on 14 November 1922 aged 62 and his father on 28 February 1942 aged 98 years.
Private Vincent Brown enlisted in Nottingham he served with 1/7th Battalion Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire) Regiment (Robin Hood Rifles). He landed in France on 28th June 1915. He was killed in action 10 month later on 20th April 1916 when the Germans exploded a mine. He was buried in Ecoivres Military Cemetery, Mont-St. Eloi (grave ref. I.E.6).
CWGC headstone personal inscription: 'Faithful unto death' Inscription on family gravestone, Nottinghamshire Church (Rock) Cemetery: 'In affectionate memory of Jane Elizabeth dearly beloved wife of James Brown died Novr. 14th 1922 age 62. Also the above named James Brown who died February 28th 1942 aged 98 years. Thy will be done. Also of Vincent, younger son, 1/7th Robin Hoods. Died in France April 20th 1916 aged 20 years.' Nottinghamshire Archives NC/BP/40/4 High Street Baptist Church, Basford. Church minutes May 10th 1916. Resolved: letter of condolence and sympathy to be sent to Mr and Mrs Jas Brown and family for the loss of their son Mr Vincent Brown who was killed in action. Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’, 5 May 1916: ‘Brown. Killed in action, April 20th, 2507 Pte. Vincent Brown, Sherwood Foresters, aged 20 years 10 months, dearly loved and youngest son of James Brown, ‘Brooklyn’, Nottingham-road, late 78, Percy-street, Old Basford. Faithful unto death.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’, 5 May 1916: ‘Brown. Killed in action, April 20th, Private Vincent (Vin) Brown, Sherwood Foresters, aged 20 years 10 months. Faithful to his Heavenly King, faithful to his earthly king. Ruby.' (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) 'In memoriam' notices published on 21st April 1919 in the Nottingham Evening Post :- “BROWN. – In loving memory of Private Vincent Brown, Sherwood Foresters, youngest son of James Brown, “Brooklyn,” Scotland-road, Old Basford, killed in action in France. Faithful unto death. – Father, mother, & Nora. “BROWN. – To the loving memory of our brother, Vin, who sacrificed himself in the great cause, April 20th, 1916. – Wallace and Gertie. “BROWN. – In loving memory of Private Vincent (Vin) Brown, killed in action April 20th, 1916. Fondly remembered. – Ruby. “BROWN. – To the cherished memory of Vincent Brown, killed in action April 20th, 1916, by all at The Hollies, Old Basford.” Above notices are courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918.
