Captain John Edward Brown

Captain John Edward Brown A Military Biography – 25 years’ Service in the East Yorkshire Regiment, Army Cyclist Corps and Home Guard

Battlefield Sleuth Series – 2017

Tim Bell

Index:  Introduction  Early Life  Pre-War Army Service  Great War in England  Western Front  Reflections on XIII Corps Battalion  Family Life and WWII  Arthur Brown and Canadian Expeditionary Force  Battlefield Sleuth Series

Battlefield Sleuth Series – November 2017

INTRODUCTION This military biography concerns John Edward Brown from Yorkshire. John had extensive service in the Army, spanning a period from 1895 to 1944. Serving for more than 25 years, John’s records provide an insight to the late Victorian Volunteers, subsequent Territorial Force and experiences in the Army Cyclists Corps during World War I. John later followed the call to arms in the Home Guard during the 2nd World War. John Brown married his wife Rose Hopperton in 1918, during a period on leave from active service in France. The couple had three daughters and lived a full life in North Ferriby.

In the 1980s, I had the privilege of knowing John Brown’s eldest daughter Enid Margaret Brown, who was then Mrs G of Ferriby Church Youth Fellowship. The research is intended for Enid Greenfield’s family and is provided in her respectful memory. Thanks to Peter Greenfield for showing me the collection of documents and wonderful photographs.

EARLY LIFE John Edward Brown was born in Halifax on 22nd September 1875 and baptised in Holy Trinity Church on 5th November. His father, Robert Henry Brown was then employed as a clerk and the family lived at 1 Parliament Street, Halifax. John’s mother was Esther Brown, nee Sellers.

In 1881 the family had moved to Hull and lived at 1 Brunswick Avenue, Sculcoates.

Robert Brown was then trading as a builders’ merchant and in 1884 he was noted as a merchant in sanitary tubes. The Brown family had moved to 48 Waterloo Street by 1891.

The Hull Daily Mail reported a break in at Robert Henry Brown’s house at 63 De la Pole Avenue in the summer of 1895, when the family were on a sea trip (holiday). Mrs Brown climbed through a window to gain

access to her home when they returned. John was living with his family at their new home at 6 Bridlington Street in 1901. He was employed as a clerk. Robert and Esther had three daughters and five sons, born between 1870 and 1887.

John Brown was an active sportsman, competing in numerous cycling events across East Yorkshire. His first cycling results have been identified in April 1893, when John was 17 years old and competing for Hull Athletic Club. John was 2nd in the Hull Club, 2 mile Handicap in August 1894. In the previous month he had been selected from time trials to be part of the Hull team competing against Barnsley in the annual race. It will be seen that this commitment to competition and cycling became an integral part of John’s future life.

A press article in October 1901 reported J E Brown barred with 14 others from the Hull Marlborough team of the Hull Junior Rugby Cup with Kingston Rovers. There is no confirmation this was John Edward, although he was possibly barred due to a 25 year age limit for Junior Rugby League. If this was John, he had recently celebrated his 26th Birthday.

By the time of the 1911 census, Esther Brown was widowed and still lived at Bridlington Street, with John and his sister, Mary Frances.

John was employed as a ship owner’s clerk.

Brunswick Avenue, Hull in 1888. Courtesy Hull Museums

PRE-WAR ARMY SERVICE John Brown’s Service Record identifies his earliest military service with 2nd Volunteer Battalion East Riding of Yorkshire Royal Garrison Artillery from 5th February 1895. At the time of his Service, this unit had been named 1st East Riding of Yorkshire Volunteer Artillery, part of the Western Division Royal Artillery.

served by 1904. He was working for Thomas Wilson Sons & Co Limited of Commercial Road, Hull when he enlisted.

John was promoted through the ranks to Corporal in 1903, Lance Sergeant (5830) in the Cyclist Company in May 1904, Corporal in H Company in August 1904, followed by Sergeant and then Colour Sergeant in 1905.

A Hull Daily Mail article of 6th August 1895 records a shocking incident, in which a man was “Blown to Pieces” at Alexander Dock. The Volunteers had been practice firing at Paull range and an unexploded shell was found on Killingholme Sands. Civilians returned the shell to the Volunteers at the docks. The victim accepted the shell, removed the fuse, but threw the shell on the ground. It then exploded, killing him instantly and wounding others.

John Brown will have attended camp in Scarborough Castle Hill in June 1896. He resigned voluntarily on 31st December 1898.

Sgt John Brown is identified on this image, which is thought to be members of the 1st Volunteer Battalion East Yorks.in 1905.

John Brown (Sgt) is identified on this image, which is thought to be members of the 1st Volunteer Battalion, East Yorks in 1903-08.

Part of John Brown’s collection, probably showing 1st Volunteer Bttn East Yorks. Pre-1903.

John Brown returned to the Army in the 1st Volunteer Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment (East Yorks) - Rifle Volunteers - from 4th February 1901. Formed in June 1900, the Battalion was known as the Hull Rifles and it incorporated a Cyclists Company, in which John was probably posted and certainly Sgt John Brown Circa 1905.

John Brown’s promotion to Sergeant enabled him to become a member of the the Rifle Sergeants’ whist team. The Hull Daily Mail reported John’s first competition against Hessle Institute in January 1901. By the autumn of 1906 John Brown was Secretary of the Club and the Mail regularly reported him in teams up to March 1908, when he transferred from the Rifles.

Hull Daily Mail 23 August 1906 Whist League Fixtures © British Library

The Hull Daily Mail of 6th May 1904 records Orders for the Cyclists to prepare a road report on the Beverley, Willerby and Hull road, with final examinations in scouting and skirmishing afterwards. John Brown’s promotion to Lance Sergeant in the Cyclist Company was also noted.

The Hull Rifles attended Camp in Towyn Bay in August 1906. Sergeant J E Brown went with the advance Party from Londesborough Barracks to prepare camp for the Battalion.

In addition to the more sedate world of whist, John Brown also represented the Hull Rifles in marksmanship. In August 1907 he competed in the Annual Rifle Meeting of the Northern

Command Sergeant Brown scored 34 out of a possible 35 at 600 yards deliberate shooting In April 1908 John Brown transferred to the 5th Cyclists Battalion of the East Yorks under the Command of Lieutenant Colonel J L Stanley and based at Eagleton House, Park Street.

The Army had been reorganised in April 1908 and the 5th East Yorks was a new Battalion of the Territorial Force, known locally as The Coasters. The 1st Volunteer Battalion was redesignated as the 4th Territorial Battalion and remained at Londesborough Barracks.

John still worked at Thomas Wilsons, employed as a clerk. Later records indicate John’s occupation was a Customs Agent. He was 30 year and 7 months and still resident at 6 Bridlington Street.

With the reorganistaion of the Volunteer Force in 1908, it appears John Brown may have been demoted for a short time. The Hull Daily Mail of 10th July 1908 records his promotion, reinstating the rank of Colour Sergeant, effective 3rd July. The Hull Daily Mail records John Brown as Battalion Orderly Sergeant for the weeks ending 9th and 30th May 1908.

An article in February 1909 reported that men of the Cyclist Battalion had to provide their own bicycle and received an allowance of 1s 4d per day in camp. The same article noted the arrival of John Brown’s god-son Boy Willie as a bugler and the only ‘boy’ of the Battalion.

Willie was the son of the local RAMC unit’s Regimental Sergeant Major. John Brown is noted as being an efficient musician, suggesting he may have been a bugler for ceremonial occasions.

The 5th Battalion made improvements to their new barracks at Eagleton House, Park Street.

Hull Daily Mail reported John Brown was part

of the Decorations Committee that transformed the Sergeants’ Mess.

An example of weekend training is provided in the Hull Daily Mail of 21st June 1909. “The advance party of defending forces left Hull on Friday evening in the charge of Captain and Adjutant Burnett, with…Colour Sergeant Brown…and 40 rank and file. Taking the road via Riplingham, they picked up the men of the Beverley Company…The rendezvous at South Cave P.O. was reached by 10 pm, the troops immediatley making a bivouac ground on Mr Waudby’s farm. Here the troops were agreeably surprised to find a number of bell tents already pitched for their occupation, thanks to energetic quartermaster’s staff.

Ground sheets and blankets were then issued, and each officer, non-com and man was left to make himself as comfortable as possible.”

John Brown received the Territorial Force Efficiency Medal on 1st July 1909, following 12 years service. His records show John had reenlisted annually, with the latest being 12 months from 1st April 1914. He then retained the rank of Colour Sergeant.

John Brown and Sergeants of the East Yorkshire Regiment Circa 1905-08.

John Brown was B Company Colour Sergeant when he was reported to have attended the

Company awards night in December 1909. At another gathering in the same month “ Colour Sergeant John Brown proposed a vote of thanks for the artistes. He was received with much prolonged cheering that it quite unnerved him, hence his apology for forgetting his speech.“ John was Captain of the shooting team in 1909. He was also elected Secretary of the Sergeants Mess in December 1909.

Colour Sergeant Brown of B Company was selected to parade in a Regimental tour for the ‘Coasters’. The Hull Daily Mail of 11th October 1909 reported the future event, which would involve an instructional ride from Paragon station and cover country to Driffield.

In May 1910 the Mail reported a Regimental exercise for the ‘Coasters’ in the neighbourhood of Hornsea. Described as a ‘paper’ war, John Brown represented Hull’s B Company against representatives of the other Companies from Beverley, Hornsea, Howden, with A, C & D Companies, also based in Hull.

The Battalion held annual two week camps and John’s record shows consistent attendance at various locations including Bridlington and Louth, where he won a gold medal for the ‘best report on a bridge’ in 1910. Reports on the Tuesday at the camp record sunny weather for the 05.30 am revellie at the ‘Coasters’ camp. Manouvers started at 09.30, involving a competition in skirmishing, fighting and speed over the surrounding country and coast line. The Battalion returned to camp by 3 pm. On the Wednesday companies paraded at 7.45am.

An ‘invading force’ had landed at Grimsby and a mounted brigade was at Market Rasen. “B Company in the charge of Colour Sergeant J E Brown took the crossroads west of Barnoldbyle-Beck to the crossroads north of Oakland, with standing patrols in Laceby.

Reconnitoring patrols also of this copmany scoured the country to the boundary of Grimsby.”

5th Bttn Camp in Louth 1910. John Brown attended this Camp between 21st July & 6th August. Courtesy York Army Museum

There was clearly a community of Territorials in Hull. In late August 1910, a parade was held at Paragon Station and Jameson Street for the return of the local Royal Garrison Artillery. John Brown was present when the Cyclists paraded with Arms at the trail; an unusual drill position, not used in the Infantry.

In August 1912 the Battalion received Orders for entraining for the annual camp. John Brown formed part of the Advance Party, parading at Park Street at 4 am on 5th September and leaving Hull on the 6.20 am train.

John Brown also made a significant contribution to shooting competitions. The “Snapper” Magazine of the East Yorks Regiment and Hull Daily Mail reported numerous events where John was involved from 1909 to 1914. In 1910 he became the acting Chairman of the Shooting Club. The 1913 Snapper reported on the Volunteer Long Distance Challenge Cup, a team event against other Territorial Cyclist Battalions. The 5th East Yorks won the Cup on 31st August 1912, which involved cycling a route of 50 miles between Hull gaol and Withernsea, where they competed on a 600 & 300 yard firing range. The 1913 ‘Snapper’ also showed John as the Colour Sergeant for Hull’s B Company on 1st January.

The Hull Daily Mail of 13th January 1911 reported the planned annual company shoot of the ‘Busy Bees’ [B Company] on 30th January and the annual smoker in the next week. “Further particulars can be gleaned of both events on application to Colour Sergeant J E Brown.”

John Brown was an active social member of B Company, attending the Annual Dinner for ‘A’ Company at the London Hotel, Hull, in April 1912. John also chaired the 5th Battalion’s first Continental smoking concert in November 1912 at their barracks at Park Street. After the evening of music and entertainment, John complemented his team for their success in the Challenge Cup, that they had won at Hornsea ranges.

Volunteer Long Distance Challenge Cup, presented at the Grosvenor Hotel on 4th January 1913. John Brown is sat furthest to the left side.

The Battalion sometimes had combined events involving shooting, cycling, billiards and sometimes whist. John was also an accomplished billiards players. The Hull Daily Maill of 12th January 1914 reported John Brown achieved the highest billiards score for his team and 90 in the shooting. “Colour Sergeant Brown established himself as a ‘rapid’ scorer [at billiards], the marking board

showing the excellent total of 130 when the ‘alarm’ went off. What ‘J.B.’ lacks in inches he makes up for in energy.”

The 5th East Yorks committed to various weekend musketry camps at Hornsea range in 1913. John Brown was present with 250 men in June and a second camp had been planned for July 1913.

The 1914 ‘Snapper’ recounted B Company’s Colour Sergeant John Brown winning the B Competition Challenge Cup. He also won 15/in the Miniature Rifle Competition. The 5th East Yorks went on to retain the Challenge Cup. The HDM of 11th June 1914 reported the retirement of Quarter Master Sergeant (QMS) Hunter from the 5th East Yorks. Colour Sergeant Brown must have been promoted as his replacment as Regimental QMS. The article noted that QMS Brown and Colour Sergeant Dobson, were the only two remaining pioneers in the Cyclists, when it was formed after the Volunteer Force were dissolved.

C/Sgt J E Brown’s 2nd Place Medal, probably for Marksmanship. 1908-14.

HDM 15/11/1912 © British Library

GREAT WAR IN ENGLAND John Brown held the rank of Quarter Master Sergeant when he embodied on 4th August 1914, at the outbreak of the Great War. He volunteered for overseas service at Routh on 22nd October. The Cyclist Battalion had been based in Park Street, Hull when they marched out of the City on 5th August to fulfil its duties on coastal defence. It remained in England throughout the war, moving to Louth and Withernsea in May 1915.

“The Battalion are now comfortably all billeted in their winter quarters. Contrary to the general impression, the Fifth are having no easy time; in fact there are not many Territorial Battalions who are having it rougher. Patrolling large sections of the coast in the vilest weather, and in the pitch dark for seven hours at a stretch is no soft job. Their job has to be done in the night time chiefly, and if the weather is particularly rough the men reach their billets in a more or less exhausted state. The officers are also subjected to particularly hard work in having to supervise the patrolling and have to cover the many miles during the night.

Notwithstanding the hard work the men are very cheerful, and, should the opportunity occur in the daytime, they readily avail themselves of the chance of playing ‘footer’…

It is the general impression that no Cyclist Battalions are going abroad, but should they be required the Fifth will not be lacking in supplying men, and their hardy condition will do away with any need for training…

Although subjected to constant soakings sickness is not prevalent and the men are becoming very hardy.”

John Brown was Commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the Territorial Force of the East Yorks on 26th February 1915. He had served 6 years and 332 days in the Territorials. John’s application of 26th January 1915 records his height as 5’ 6” and notes he had attended Central Grade High School, Hull. A Magistrate confirmed John’s suitable Moral Character.

Newly commissioned 2nd Lieutenant John Brown 5th Cyclist Bttn East Yorks Regiment. England Circa 1915/16.

The ‘Snapper’ Magazine recounted the conditions for the Battalion, which are thought to relate to winter 1914.

John was initially stationed in Aldborough and completed his training as an Officer in the East Yorks, also attending a course in Scouting and Sniping at Stafford in May 1916.

Records identify an antecedent promotion of “2/LT. (T/LT.) J. E . Brown to be Lieut. Illeg.

[effective] 1st June 1916 in 5th East Yorks Rgt.” This varies with the entry in John’s Record of Services, which indicates promotion to Lieutenant on 11th November 1915.

Top - 2nd Lieutenant John Brown Circa 1915/16.

Bottom – Possibly John Brown on left of the image wearing puttees.

The photographer was T F Freemantle, an expert in Marksmanship and may have been present in Stafford when John Brown attended his course.

King’s commission as 2nd Lieutenant 26th February 1915.

WESTERN F RONT Lieutenant John Brown embarked for France on 10th October 1916. After arrival at the Infantry Base Depot in Etaples on 11th October, John was attached to the XIII Corps Battalion Army Cyclist Corps on 22nd October.

or large set-piece battles. As such John Brown’s men had limited involvement on the Somme, mainly involved with the movement of Prisoners, fatigues and traffic duties behind the lines.

The Army Cyclist Corps was known as the “Gas Pipe Cavalry” and they had to wait many months until John Brown and his men could fulfil their principal roles in a mobile war.

XIII Corps Battalion War Diary records the movements of the men and includes some references to John Brown. These are quoted in italics. They were billeted at Couin, behind the lines of the Somme battlefield, when John arrived. He was taken on the strength of the battalion and posted to ‘C’ Company.

The Battalion remained at Couin on 6th November 1916. No. 7 Platoon of ‘C’ Company commenced a week’s training under Lieutenant Brown.

XXIII Corps Cyclist’s Victory poster by S W Stoddard 1918. © IWM (Art.IWM PST 9343)

XIII Corps comprised units of 18th (Eastern) Division and 30th Division. These included a range of Regular Army Battalions and a large number of Kitchener’s New Army Battalions.

XIII Corps had been in the thick of the action in the Battle of the Somme and had the auspicious status of having successfully liberated the first French village of Montauban on the first day of the Battle.

The Army Cyclist Corps had recently been formed and men had transferred to XIII Corps Battalion from the 18th and 30th Divisional Cyclist Companies in May 1916. Many of these men had originally enlisted in the infantry and then volunteered for the Cyclists.

XIII Corps Battalion was trained for reconnaissance and mobile warfare. This included Lewis Gun sections and snipers. The Corps was not suited to static trench warfare,

On 27th November the Battalion Headquarters was moved to Orville, west of Couin, where the Corps Mounted Troop School would be started.

Troops of the Army Cyclist Corps searching German prisoners captured at the commencement of the Battle of the Somme, July 1916. © IWM (Q 900)

On 9th March 1917, the battalion arrived at billets in Molliens-au-Bois for the purposes of cleaning and salvage work in the area. They returned to Orville on 15th March and moved north to Framecourt and Point Houvin on 19th March, arriving Fouquereuil, south west of Bethune, on 20th March.

On 12th May 1917 “Lt. J.E. Brown and 16 snipers proceeded into the line under 94th Brigade [Including Accrington, Sheffield City and two Barnsley Pals Battalions] and carried out sniping around the Windmill at Gavrelle and the south west corner of Oppy Wood [both east of Arras]”. This was a continuation of the Battle of Arras, where the Battalion’s Lewis Gun teams also played an active role. Lieutenant P H Brown was subsequently awarded the Military Cross for his work with the Observation Service at Oppy and Gavrelle.

Cyclists passing through the ruined village of Brie, March 1917. © IWM (Q 1868)

The Battalion moved to Ecoivres, west of the Arras lines, on 18th April. The men were billeted in one barn, with Officers in huts.

On night of 6/7th May Lewis Gun teams supported a raid on enemy lines. Three other ranks were killed in an enemy barrage when they returned.

May 1917 Map of the German trench line, showing the possible field of fire for British snipers from the high ground to Oppy Wood and the windmill at Gavrelle. Courtesy National Library of Scotland

In the general offensive on the German Hindenburg Line, the British had broken through in some areas. This clearly created opportunities for the Cyclists to fulfil some of their skills in more mobile circumstances. It may be the case that other Cyclist Battalions assisted the infantry in the earlier pursuit of the Germans to the Hindenburg line, but XIII Corps Battalion didn’t play any part.

Troops of the Army Cyclist Corps resting in Courcelles, March 1917.© IWM (Q 5058)

On 17th July 1917 the Battalion had moved north, towards the Belgium border and infamous Ypres Salient. The War Diary mentions Strazeele. Wormhoudt, Esquelbecq, Spiecker, Mardick and St Sylvestre, Training

commenced at Le Clipon Camp on 21st July 1917. John’s Record of Service shows he attended a Lewis Gun Course at Le Touquet in July 1917.

On 25th August 1917 the Battalion was inspected by General Sir Henry Rawlinson, Commander Fourth Army.

The Battalion remained in the Coxyde / Nieuport area at the beginning of November, working with 427 & 428 Field Companies of the Royal Engineers. Three more Military Medals were awarded for action on the night of 10/11th November.

The Battalion departed to return to XIII Corps on 19th November and spent the night in billets at Coudekerque. They spent the subsequent two nights in Meddel, near Esquelbecq in France. In the next four days, the Battalion moved through Zuytpeene, Steenbecque, Bas Rieux and arrived at Acq, north west of Arras on 26th November. Traffic, training and prisoner duties resumed.

On 24th December 1917 the Battalion remained at Acq, “Nos. 3 & 7 platoons commence a week of platoon training under Lts Gray and J.E. Brown respectively.” John’s Record of Services shows he attended a Scouting and Sniping course at St Riquier, near Abbeville during December 1917.

On 26th January “Seventeen other ranks of ‘C’ Company proceed to join Lt J.E. Brown’s party in relief of a similar number of ‘A’ Company – who rejoin battalion…Nine other ranks proceed to Marroeuil…relieving a similar number of ‘A’ Company who join Lt J.E. Brown’s party”.

On 16th February 1918 “Seventy-eight other ranks are withdrawn from the detachment working with A.D. Signals XIII Corps and rejoin [At Acq] from the Ecurie Camp.” John’s Record of Services shows he completed a course in Gas Defence at St Riquiers during February.

In the afternoon of 28th March 1918 “…the battalion concentrates at Brunehout Farm and proceeds to Collingwood Camp ([51b & 51c]A28 & 23) in the Victory Redoubt (G3 & 33) Line. It remained in a state of readiness to take up a defensive position at any point it should be needed.” On 21st March the Germans had launched their Spring Offensive in the Somme / St Quentin area. There was a state of alert on the whole Western Front.

On 29th March at Collingwood Camp [51 A29c23], “Lt. J E. Brown with twelve other ranks from ‘C’ Company relieved 2/Lt W.C. Dodkins and his party in the Scarpe Valley.

On 11th January 1918 the War Diary recounted “Four officers and 134 other ranks under Lt. J.E. Brown proceeded to a camp near Ecurie [north of Arras] for duty under A.D. Signals XIII Corps. They are employed on digging cables trenches on the Vimy Ridge.”

On 13th January the Diary continued “Twenty three other ranks proceed to join Lt J.E.Brown’s party.”

Lieutenant General Sir Henry Seymour Rawlinson © IWM (Q 4032)

[Arras Battlefield from 1917]. He reported on the positions of the enemy’s line. The information was forwarded to XIII Corps.”

King George V passed through Ferfay on 10th August 1918. The battalion was drawn up on the south side of the main road.

The Battalion moved to Rollecourt, south east of Arras, via Aubigny at 3 am on 30th March. They remained there until 28th April 1918, when they moved to Ferfay west of Bethune.

From 26th to 30th September 1918, the battalion moved north of Amiens to Flesselle via Doullens. This was close the area of the Somme, where John Brown had originally joined the battalion.

Lieutenant Brown had leave in the summer of 1918, returning home to Yorkshire. He married 27 year old Rose Mira Hopperton in St Mary’s Church, Beverley on 11th June 1918.

Rose then lived at 32 Lairgate in Beverley.

John’s brother Robert William Brown signed the Marriage Certificate, indicating he was based at Home during hostilities.

On 4th October 1918, the battalion moved to Montauban. As mentioned previously XIII Corps captured this village on the opening day of the Battle of the Somme. Private Arthur Bell of the Manchester Pals survived the advance and formed part of an advanced detachment ahead of the main defensive line at Triangle Point. He was forced to withdraw a short distance, but Arthur and his Pals maintained the greatest advance of the British Army on that fateful day. His family (including this author) remains very proud and fortunate he survived.

The battalion moved to Nurlu. On 6th October “Capt. F.W. Lee, Lieut J. E. Brown and 63 ORs of ‘C’ Company proceed on detachment to 50th Division for duty.”

At Ellincourt on 20th October “The G.O.C. [General Officer in Command] 66th Division sent a message of appreciation of the excellent liaison work carried out by the detachment under Lt. J.E. Brown and Lt. E.F. Potter working with 66th Division during its operations from 8th-20th October, in the area of Le Cateau.”

Captain John Edward Brown and Rosa Mira Hopperton married in Beverley on 11th June 1918

On 6th July 1918 “Lt J.E. Brown, 2.Lt. E.F. Potter and 140 O.R. [other ranks] proceed to Bois de Reveillon on attachment for work with 179th Labour Company on the trench system.”

They rejoined the battalion at Ferfay on 24th July.

As reported in the War Diary of 3rd November, John Brown was promoted ‘C’ Company Commander on 25th October 1918. He was subsequently promoted to the rank of Captain, backdated to 5th September as reported in the London Gazette of 30th October.

On 26th October 1918 “Lieut. J.E. Brown proceeded with his [7th] platoon to reinforce the 7th Royal West Kent Regiment as Bousies Wood Farm, in case of enemy counterattack. No attack took place and the detachment returned to billets at Le Cateau at 2 P.M.” On 29th October ‘C’ Company minus 9 Platoon was attached to 50th Division for duty. They were billeted in Le Cateau.

The final 100 days of hostilities had become more fluid as the Germans were forced to withdraw from their previously static trench lines. This was an ideal time for Company Commander, Captain Brown and the Cyclist snipers to take advantage of their mobility with assertive patrols pursuing the German rear guard.

On 4th November “’C’ Company proceeds to La Fayt Farm and then to Fontaine-au-Bois, being employed on liaison duties during the advance.” On the 5th November ’C’ Company advanced to Hachette Farm, where they were billeted. This was next to the Sambre-Oise Canal, where war poet Lieutenant Wilfred Owen MC of 2nd Manchesters was killed crossing the same canal on the previous day.

“My friend, you would not tell with such high zest To children ardent for some desperate glory, The old Lie; Dulce et Decorum est Pro patria mori.”

from La Croisette to Lardrecies and Taimaires on the morning of 8th November. 66th ‘C’ Company advanced east to Noyelles and later to Monceau on 7th November. The advance continued to Sars Poteries where ‘C’ Company’s patrols were the first troops in the village. They may have then been attached to 198th Brigade.

The Cyclist Battalion formed part of the mobile party, named Bethell’s Force, advancing on 10th November. Major General H K Bethell was Commander of 4th Army Advance Guard.

‘C’ Company returned to the battalion at Solre-le-Chateau, which reported to 66th Division. They continued the advance alongside the 12th Lancers, 9th Gloucesters and the South African Brigade. The Cyclists were supported by armoured cars, charged with mopping up German machine guns. They were affiliated with the cavalry for these operations. They presumably cycled into the advance, behind the mounted troops and vehicles; confronting pockets of German resistance on their way forward.

66th Division War Diary noted the enemy was thoroughly demoralised and disintegrating rapidly.

XIII Corps War Diary recounted “’C’ Company proceeds as Advanced Guard to 66th Division

In early November 1918, the Battalion was attached to 66th Division. They were engaged with pressing forwards to from the SambreOise Canal to the Belgium frontier. The Divisional War Diary notes Orders for A Company to be attached with 199th Brigade on 7th November and the remainder of the Battalion accompanied Advanced Divisional Headquarters. This was ordered to move Captain William Frederick Clarke of XIII Corps Cyclist Bttn. © IWM (HU 120022)

along Clair Fayts -Sivry [Rance] and was held up by hostile machine gun fire near the Belgium Frontier. The company was relieved by infantry and rejoined Battalion HQ at Solre’Le-Chateau.” Five men were awarded the Military Medal for this action.

It is interesting to note that German Field Marshall Rommel returned down the road from Sivry towards Clairfayts with his 7th Panzer Division in May 1940. He was forced to detour due to mines in the road.

In Divisional Reserve at Solre-Le-Chateau on 11th November 1918, the War Diary records “Telegram received that Armistice has been signed and that hostilities will cease at 1.00 hours.” XIII Corps and adjoining French units had succeeded in vanquishing the German Army out of French territory, apart from a small outpost of 100 Germans in the village of Cousolre. XIII Corps casualties amounted to 12 Officers and 256 other ranks.

The Battalion moved to Clairfayts on 13th November and Mariolles on 14th. On 17th November “‘C’ Company was attached to A.PM. for road Traffic Duty in IX Corps Area.” The Diary continues “Capt. F.W. Lee relinquished command of ‘C’ Company on being evacuated to England on 25th October and Capt. J.E. Brown appointed Company Commander 25th October.”

‘C’ Company detachment returned to Battalion HQ on 2th December. On 20th December “Capt. J.E. Brown admitted to Casualty Clearing Station and evacuated to the Base…sick”. John’s Service File shows he

suffered rheumatism and had been admitted for ten days No 2 General Hospital, Le Havre on 30th December 1918. Medical notes record he “Began to have pains about six weeks ago, chiefly in shoulders & back. Afterwards in knee.” After treatment (or rest) his condition was described as “Pain mainly gone except in lumbar region now. States feels debilitated.

Cannot sleep.”

No.4 Ward at No.2 General Hospital, Quai d'Escale, Le Havre, after the Armistice. © IWM (Q 10556)

The Battalion was at Caudry on 8th January 1919, when “Capt J.E. Brown rejoined from base Hospital and resumes command of ‘C’ Company.” A Medical Board at Le Havre had declared John fit for general service on 2nd January 1919.

On 2nd February 1919 the War Diary recorded “…Capt. J.E. Brown proceeded to U.K. for dispers al 1/2/1919.”

Major W F Morris provided a Commanding Officer’s statement of John Brown’s service on 19th February 1919. “Capt J.E. Brown is a very efficient and reliable officer. He has done good work as a Bn [Battalion] sniping officer and has led his Company in action with success.”

The couple’s first child Enid Margaret Brown had been born on 19th November 1919.

REFLECTIONS ON XIII CORPS BATTALION XIII Corps Cyclist’s Battalion was effectively disbanded when remaining Officers were posted to other Corps at the end of March 1919.

Commanding Officer’s Statement

Records indicate John resigned his Commission on 7th February. This had taken place at the Dispersal Unit at Clipstone Camp, near Mansfield. John then returned to his new wife in Hull.

The 5th East Yorks was disbanded at the end of hostilities. It seems John Brown must have volunteered again with the Territorial Force.

This time he returned the 4th Battalion East Yorks as successors to the 1st Volunteer Battalion – the Hull Rifles.

John’s resignation from 4th Battalion was formally accepted by the War Office on 21st July 1920 and published in the London Gazette of 9th July. He retained the rank of Captain.

By the time of John’s resignation, he and Rose had moved to 7 High Street, North Ferriby.

862 men are recorded by Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) as being casualties of the Great War, serving with the Army Cyclist Corps. XIII Battalion had relatively few losses during hostilities, with just two casualties identified in 1917 – Private 9596 Richard Binns and Private 9174 Frank Adams MM. It is thought these casualty figures exclude numerous men who had been attached to the Corps, but retained their original Cap Badge. For example, the War Diary entry for 7th May 1917 mentions three men being killed, yet CWGC records provide no casualties for the Cyclist Corps at this time.

Three men are identified as casualties in the last month of the war. Corporal 15382 John Woods was a casualty on 25th October 1918, with Private 23917 T Wilkinson on 1st November and Private 20859 Thomas William Cole on 10th November – the day before the Armistice. The Service Record for Thomas provides an illustration of one of the men who served with John Brown and exemplifies the tragedy for families in the Great War. Thomas Cole was 24 years old and the son of Thomas William and Ellen Cole of 25 Cumberland Street, Gateshead. His father had died in September 1917 and another son, John, had died from wounds in France on 1st December 1917. Thomas had married Susannah Barnes in January 1913 and the couple had two children, born in 1913 and March 1917. Susan had remarried at some stage prior to his death, as no widow is identified on records. Thomas had been a

Captain Brown’s letter requesting to resign his commission and summarising recent Army service

grocer when he enlisted Number 2108 (365644) in the 2/1st Northern (Territorial) Cyclists Battalion on 11th December 1914.

After transfer to the Army Cyclist Corps in May 1917, he disembarked in France on 14th May and posted to XIII Corps on 4th June.

Thomas had last seen his wife and parents during leave to England in October 1917.

Thomas was originally noted as being killed on 11th November and he was buried in Solre Le Chateau German Cemetery. His remains were relocated in the 1920s and he is now buried in ST. SOUPLET BRITISH CEMETERY John Brown had become ‘C’ Company Commander on 25th October and one wonders if these were these men were with him as they chased the Germans to the Belgium border. They are not forgotten.

By strange coincidence a close connection has been found between a group of men who served with John Brown in the Cyclist Corps and the author’s grandfather, who served in the Manchester Regiment.

Frank Adams MM had originally enlisted (Number 10335) in the 18th Battalion Manchester Regiment; the 3rd Manchester Pals. He enlisted in September 1914 and trained with X Platoon at Heaton Park, before volunteering for 30th Division Cyclist Company in August 1915. As part of 30th Division of XIII Corps, Frank transferred to the Army Cyclist Corps in May 1916, after arriving in France in November 1915. Four members of this group received Military Medals and another was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal.

Eight Officers and 193 other ranks from the Manchester Pals volunteered for transfer to the 30th Divisional Cyclist Company, including Percy Murch of III Platoon of 17th Battalion.

As a grandson of a member of III Platoon, the author reflects on the different path, or cycle, Private 8055 Allan Arthur Bell could have taken, possibly alongside Captain Brown.

FAMILY LIFE AND WWII John and Rose Brown resumed civilian life in North Ferriby after the war. John continued his career as a customs clerk and the couple had two further daughters, Hilary and Molly, who was known as Bunty.

John Brown with two daughters, Hilary (L) and Enid (R) at the seaside. Mid/late 1930s.

John and Rose Brown with their three daughters.

Despite more than 20 years’ service in his younger years, John volunteered for the Home Guard during WWII. He was almost 65 years of age when he joined the “Dads Army” on 19th July 1940 and contributed to the local defence force until 31st December 1944.

Top - John Brown with his wife, Rose.

Middle - Home Guard defences at Spurn Point.

Bottom - Certificate for Service from King

Captain John Brown received the British War Medal, Allied Victory Medal, Territorial Force Medal, Defence Medal and Territorial Efficiency Medal.

John Brown was a committed member of the Royal British Legion and served as North Ferriby Branch Chairman. He proudly marched on parade with other veterans, displaying the five medals he had received for his time in the Army.

John Brown died in his home from cerebral thrombosis on 8th October 1949. He still lived at 7 High Street, North Ferriby

Unknown Officers, probably 5th East Yorks in England

John Brown with fellow Ferriby resident Godfrey Robinson MC and other WWI veteran of the British Legion.

The HDM of 12th May 1924 reported Captain Brown (may not be J E Brown) being present at the 5th East Yorks first reunion dinner.

Former RQMS Hunter was also in attendance as another former representative of the 1st East Yorks Volunteers. “…the company stood in silent tribute to the memory of their fallen comrades.”

Territorial Force Camp in July 1910. This Card was sent to John Brown.

Probably Officers of 5th East Yorks in England

ARTHUR BROWN – CANADIAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE John Brown had a distinguished military career and it has been interesting to seek similar records for his three brothers. Brown is a very common name, making identification of military records difficult and the two middle brothers may have had reserved occupations; which means that no certain Service has been identified. The youngest brother has an extensive file, which will also be interesting to family members.

Arthur George Brown was born in Hull 20th April 1887. Arthur was an apprentice cutter in 1901 and it appears he emigrated to Canada in 1907.

Arthur was employed as a cableman [or cattleman] when he enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force on 24th September 1914.

He was 27 years 5 months old 5’ 6 ¼ “tall with Medium complexion, brown hair, brown eyes and dark hair. He had been approved fit for duty on 10th September. Arthur enlisted in Valcartier Camp, near Quebec City in eastern Canada. He had previously served in the 3rd Regiment Canadian Garrison Artillery and was serving in the Militia at the time of enlistment. Arthur recorded his mother as next of kin. Esther Brown was resident Heathfield House, Dewsbury Street, Hull in September 1914.

Arthur was posted as a Gunner 43943 in No 3 Section of the Canadian Divisional Ammunition Column (DAC). Most of the men in the DAC were Canadian nationals, although a large number had been born in England.

The DAC embarked for the UK from Quebec on 30th September 1914, on board SS Megantic (Arthur) and Montezuma, arriving Devonport 14th October. They had the strength of 30 Officer and 561 other ranks.

The first blemish appears on Arthur’s Service Record, when he was posted Absent from Westdown Camp [Salisbury Plain] on 17th November1914. He was forfeited two days’ pay.

Arthur found time to marry Beatrice Mary Sanderson with the permission of the Army.

Their wedding was at Sculcoates, Hull on 26th December 1914. Beatrice lived at 13 Symons, Street, Fountain Road, Hull, receiving $20-$25 per month from Arthur’s pay. She previously lived in Sheffield.

Service Records indicate Arthur embarked for France on “Monmouth” on 9th February 1915.

This was in advance of the DAC. He was hospitalised in Number 2nd Canadian Field Ambulance on 6th August 1915, returning to duty the next day. His casualty report was noted by the Officer in Command of the DAC; which seems strange as the main body were not yet in France.

The DAC sailed for France on 12th February 1916, along with the 596 horses and 18 mules. Service Records indicate Arthur was a Driver – probably referring to horses. He was granted nine days leave on 29th April 1916. It is not indicated whether he was able to visit his wife, but he was late returning to duty.

Initially reported absent without leave on 8th May, this was later cancelled.

Arthur’s record did receive a black mark on 19th June, when he was sentenced to 42 days Field Punishment No. 1 for absence without leave on 19th June. He forfeited 22 days’ Pay. Further leave was granted from 4th to 14th October 1917.

Arthur was transferred to the 1st Canadian Trench Mortar Battery (TMB) on 10th December 2017. Disciplinary action was repeated on 14th February 1918, when Arthur was sentenced to forfeit 4 days’ pay for conduct to prejudice (illeg.) M.D. [Military

Discipline] Failing to Salute Corps Commander.

Arthur’s Casualty Record indicates he suffered gas poisoning on 27th February 1918 and admitted to 2nd Canadian Field Ambulance on 27th/28th February. The 1st TMB War Diary for 28th notes “Two men of X Company were admitted to Field Ambulance suffering from the effects of gas poisoning.” On 27th February the War Diary noted “Four men were admitted to Field Ambulance suffering the effects of poisonous gas.”

Arthur was transferred to 4th Canadian Field Ambulance on 28th February 1918, 1st Casualty

'Z.C. Trench Mortar Battery' France 'Suicide Club' after the battle of Lens. Lieuts. J.A. McGibbon and B.E. Scott, M.C.. © Canadian Archives

Clearing Station 3rd March, 35th Ambulance Train on 5th March and admitted to 22nd General Hospital in Camiiers later that day.

Arthur was evacuated Home on board A.T. [Ambulance Transport] “Newhaven” on 9th March, where he was posted to Reserve Depot, Witley. Records show Arthur had served a total of thirty seven months in France and Belgium.

Loading a big trench mortar in a front line Boche trench (c) NLS 74548338

The TMB was located near Lens in northern France. Earlier entries in the War Diary provide a useful illustration of 28th February as a typical day for the Trench Mortar Battery.

“Our 6” T.M’s [Trench Mortars] fired 63 rounds on two hostile mortars and enemy trenches in N2b7570, N2b90.10 and N26d 50.70 [Trench Map References on Sheet 36c], the last three mentioned at the request of the Infantry. A few light T.M’s were fired on our front line in N32C between 6 and 8 P.M. [Illeg.] 3 and 4 - 6” guns were put out of action with direct hits by 4.1’s and 4.2’s during a concentrated shoot on these guns. Nr. 1 Heavy Gun was intermittently shelled during the day…”

Following his return to England, Arthur was treated in 1st Western General Hospital in Liverpool from 10th March to 10th April 1918.

The notes are illegible, but refer the larynx and chest resulting from gas poisoning. He was subsequently transferred to Canadian Hospital in Woodcote, Epsom until 8th May when he was fit for duty. He still had pain in his chest.

Arthur had various posting in English camps after recovery. He was presumably unfit for front line duties and worked in the Canadian Reserve Artillery and later Canadian Army Pay Corps. He was originally transferred back to Witley Camp in Surrey on 8th May 1918. This was a large Canadian Infantry base and Arthur had various administrative rolls. The Camp is infamous for the riots that took place after the Armistice, when disaffected Canadians wanted to return home. Arthur had a short

posting in Aldershot and Bordon, but spent most of the final days of his service in Witley.

His health problems continued with chronic bronchitis noted in September 1918 and tonsillitis and other conditions noted in an Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic in Witley on 28th October 1918

THANKS TO PAULINE CUTHBERT – NEE GREENFIELD AS AN EAGLE EYED EDITOR .

Arthur was attached to the Pay Corps on 7th December 1918 and Appointed Acting Corporal in Witley on 28th February 1919; given the pay grade as Clerk on 31st March.

Arthur had further medical examinations on 11th and 20th April 1919. His general health was then described as good. On 10th May Arthur was transferred to London and then the Canadian Discharge Depot in Buxton, Derbyshire the next day. Arthur’s wife Beatrice lived at 5 Woodland View, Buxton.

His attachment in Buxton ended on 27th June, on proceeding to Canada. He embarked at Liverpool for Quebec, on board S.S. Ketacama.

17th Battalion Manchester Regiment on the Somme A website about my grandad’s service in the Battle of the Somme with the 2nd Manchester Pals.

Arthur was posted to the Quebec Depot Clearing Services Command on 8th July 1919.

He was then demobilised on 13th July. He lived at 434 Superior or Parliament Building, Victoria, British Columbia. This is a city on Vancouver Island Arthur was appointed Lance Corporal during his Service and later Acting Corporal. He was discharged as Acting Sergeant in Quebec on 19th July 1919. His discharge form provided his future address as The Post Office at Victoria, British Columbia.

Unconfirmed records indicate Arthur and Beatrice Mary Sanderson returned to Canada after hostilities and the couple had two daughters. Betty Lucille was born on 1918 and Daunse Therese in 1920. It seems Arthur died in Victoria, British Columbia in March 1946.

BATTLEFIELD SLEUTH SERIES

The Steel Helmet Film - Montauban 1st July 1916 A film with contemporary drone footage, archive photos and original interviews recounting the Manchester Pals on First Day of the Battle of the Somme.

Manchester Co-op's Battle of the Somme Recruitment and Losses in the Battle of the Somme, using the Case Study of Co-Operative Wholesale Society Head Office in Manchester.

Machine Gun Corps at Montauban supporting 17th Manchesters Two Men in the 2nd Battle of Ypres. King's Own Lancasters and Hampshire Regiment A search for lost relatives commemorated on the Menin Gate Military Biography of Captain R Mansergh MC - 2nd Manchester Pals Comments, corrections or further thoughts are welcome via the Blog GUEST BOOK | 17th Battalion Manchester Regiment on the Somme

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Made by Pte 9090 Sydney William Stoddard 1918. Sydney previously served in XIV Pln of 16 Bttn Manchester Regiment © IWM Art.IWM PST 9343