Robert Burns Brown

Submitted by Mt Kembla Minin... on Sun, 17/09/2017 - 14:32

First Name:

Robert

Middle Name:

Burns

Last Name:

Brown

Date of Birth:

Monday, February 25, 1889

Mother's Name:

Jemmima Brown nee Blow

Father's Name:

Thomas Brown

Date Enlisted:

Monday, August 28, 1916

Rank at Enlistment:

Private

Rank at Discharge:

Private

Unit:

Machine Gun Battalion

Company:

14th

Service:

Infantry

Awards:

Military Medal

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Date of Death:

Wednesday, September 1, 1965

Place of Death:

Sydney

Details:

Robert Brown (Service No 548) was born in Kiama, N.S.W.

At enlistment Robert was single, 27 years old, and worked as a farmer. He embarked from Melbourne on board RMS Orontes with Machine Gun Company 14, 9th Reinforcement on 23rd December 1916.

He arrived in England on 17th February 1917 and joined the troops in France on 5th October 1917 and saw service on the Western Front.

Robert was awarded the Military Medal for his actions at Peronne, France, in 1918. The recomendation for his Military Medal reads:

'On the left of PERONNE on 1st September 1918 an enemy machine gun was located in a house enfilading advancing Infantry, causing many casualtiies, and impeded the advance. This man brought his gun into action, suffering casualties in so doing, and at a range of 100 yards directed fire on the ennemy gun, finally silencing it. His gallantry and promptitude of action must have materially assisted the Infantry, and his brave act set a fine example to his comrades.' Commonwealth Gazette No 109 Dated 15th September 1919.

Robert was granted leave for employment in England and worked on a farm on the Isle of Man from 12th May 1919 to 12th August 1919.

He was returned to Australia in October 1919 and discharged from the AIF on 13th February 1920.

In 1920, Robert married Beatrice Blow in Kiama and the couple raised 3 children.

Robert was living in Queensland when he enlisted for service in World War II. He served with 12th Battalion, Volunteer Defence Corps (Service No Q209284) from 14th May 1942 to 21st October 1945.

Robert died in Sydney in 1965.

His service is commemorated on the Kiama Memorial Arch & Honour Rolls.

Sources:

NAA: B2455, BROWN R B