Sgt. Donald Forrester Brown, VC

Donald Forrester Brown, VC (23 February 1890 – 1 October 1916) was a New Zealand soldier of the First World War who was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. Brown's Victoria Cross was the second won by a New Zealander during the war, and was the first awarded for actions on the Western Front.

Citation:

An extract from the London Gazette, No. 30130, dated 14th July, 1917, records the following:-"For most conspicuous bravery and determination in attack (south-east of High Wood, France, on September 15, 1916), when the company to which he belonged had suffered very heavy casualties in officers and men from machine gun fire. At great personal risk this N.C.O.advanced with a comrade and succeeded in reaching a point within 30 yds. of the enemy guns. Four of the gun crew were killed and the gun captured. The advance of the company was continued until it was again held up by machine gun fire. Again Serjt. Brown and his comrade, with great gallantry, rushed the gun and killed the crew. After this second position had been won, the company came under very heavy shell fire, and the utter contempt for danger and coolness under fire of this N.C.O. did much to keep up the spirit of his men. On a subsequent occasion in attack, Serjt. Brown showed most conspicuous gallantry. He attacked, single handed, a machine gun which was holding up the attack, killed the gun crew, and captured the gun. Later, whilst sniping the retreating enemy, this very gallant soldier was killed."

His Victoria Cross is held by his family.

His nephew and namesake was awarded the Military Cross in WW2.

Biography:

• Wikipedia contributors, 'Donald Forrester Brown', Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia

BROWN, DONALD FORRESTER

• Rank: Serjeant
• Service No: 8/3504
• Date of Death: 01/10/1916
• Age: 26
• Regiment/Service: Otago Regiment, N.Z.E.F. 2nd Bn.
• Awards: V C
• Grave Reference: III. F. 11.
• Cemetery: WARLENCOURT BRITISH CEMETERY
• Additional Information: Son of Robert and Jessie Brown, of Wharf St., Oamaru, New Zealand. Native of Dunedin.

• Cenotaph Record
• Commonwealth War Graves Commission Record
• New Zealand War Graves Record
• Family searches for Victoria Cross 2011
• Donald Forrester Brown Victoria Cross Medal – on display at the North Otago Museum ANZAC weekend 2016

• Reference: MyHeritage Family Trees - SmartCopy: Jan 30 2017, 3:57:28 UTC