South Warwickshire Family History Society War Memorial Transcription Project
The Fallen Men of South Warwickshire - World War One |
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Military History |
| Theatre of War | Campaign Medals | Commonwealth War Grave or Memorial |
|---|---|---|
| France and Flanders | 1914-15 Star, British War & Victory Medals | Thiepval Memorial |
| Arrived in Theatre | Gallantry Awards | SWFHS Area Memorials |
| 6 Feb 1915 in Eygpt | Distinguished Service Cross | Warwick St. Nicholas |
| Warwick Eleanor Cross | ||
| Action, Battle or Other Reason Killed | Date and Place Enlisted | |
| Battle of the Ancre (Somme) | Commissioned on 29 Sep 1914 | |
| Place of Death | Previous Regiments or Units | Other War Memorials |
| Varennes | ||
Distinguished Service Cross Citation
| For special gallantry on the 12th and 13th July 1915, during Operations on the Gallipoli Peninsular. He was sent out at night on the 12th across the Achi Baba Nullah and found himself cut off. He took an advanced trench and held it throughout the following day without food or water, and by his personal courage and example maintained the morale and courage of his men. |
Military Service History
- 29 Sep 1914 - Commissioned as 2nd Lt (Gazette)
- 09 Feb 1915 - Promoted to Lt
- 11 May 1915 - Wounded in right shoulder - invalided home
- 08 Nov 1915 - Awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (Gazette)
- 13 Jan 1916 - Promoted to Capt
Circumstances of Death
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Captain Browne is listed as being killed in action on 13 Nov 1916. The 1st Battalion war diary for that day is transcribed below. Line at Varennes – 13.11.16: Battn was the left of the 188th Infantry Brigade which attacked German trench system. It was in touch on left with 1/7th Gordon Highlanders. Following Officers took part – It then lists 22 officers, including Captain Browne. The attack commenced on the opening of our barrage at 5.45am. When Battn advanced in 4 waves – one platoon of each company in a wave. There was a very thick mist. Every Company Commander was killed before crossing German front line. Enemy trenches were practically obliterated by our artillery. No Mans Lane & ground between various German Lines, as far as slope down to Station Road was filled with shell holes, deep & very muddy. Ground crossed by this Battn was particularly muddy which made advance difficult. Within a minute of our barrage starting enemy replied with artillery barrage on support lines and No Mans land where they also opened a heavy machine gun fire. It is estimated that at least 50% of casualties occurred between No Mans Lane and German 1st Line. Between 2nd & 3rd line ground was swept with M.G. fire. Here also were heavy casualties. Isolated parties of this Battn followed the barrage as far as the Yellow Line & got in touch with H.A.C. on right. They were however sufficiently strong to close gap between H.A.C and Battn on left. Remnant of this Battn held dotted Blue Line during night 13/14th in partially constructed trench W of Station Road. Touch was maintained during the night with 4th Gordon Highlanders on left. END |
| Personal & Family History |
| Birth Date/Place | Baptism Date/Place |
|---|---|
| 9 Apr 1888 at Warwick | 22 May 1888 at Warwick St. Nicholas |
| Parents Names | Abode |
| Dr Samuel and Ada Browne | The Mill House, Mill Street, Warwick |
| Schools | Colleges |
| Kingsley School, Leamington Spa | Cheltenham College |
| Address History | Employment History |
| 1888 - Coten End, Warwick | 1901 - Scholar at Kingsley School |
| 1891 - 16 Emscote Road, Warwick | 1911 - Actor |
| 1901 - 2 Beauchamp Terrace, Leamington | |
| 1911 - Cross Mount, Aughton, Ormskirk | |
| 1916 - Minto, Chestnut Avenue, Esher, Surrey | |