William Kirby and Brenda McMahon have submitted the following:-
Christopher was born on September 19th 1889 at Gilesgate, Durham to Matthew and Elizabeth (nee Clasper) who married in 1888. Christopher was their only child.
In 1891 the family was living at 14 Young Street, Gilesgate. Matthew is working as a tailor. Christopher is just 2 years old.
By 1901 their address was Claypath, Durham. Life is looking up for the family although Matthew is still working as a tailor he is now able to employ men.
1911 census shows Matthew was now a master tailor whilst Christopher was an assistant elementary school master for Durham County Council.
Christopher was a freemason with Norman Lodge 1334. He was initiated on September 20th 1911. He later became a Senior Deacon.
Christopher married Edith Mary Dent on April 9th 1914 at the Parish Church at Waterhouses. His son, their only child, John Shepherd Brown was born March 7th 1915. They lived at 12 Flass Street, Durham. He was teaching at Waterhouses Council School when he attested.
He attested for service on December 4th 1915 then enlisted at Durham. His former service number was 32876 serving with DLI.
He stated he had previously served for 2 years as a Territorial with the 10th Middlesex Regiment, now time expired.
He was medically examined at Sunderland on May 30th 1916. His details were that he was 5’6” tall and weighing 168lbs. His physical development was considered to be good and so fit for service. His religion was Church of England.
Christopher embarked for France in September 1916 from Folkestone. He disembarked at Boulogne then by September 14th 1916 was at Cambiers where he joined his unit so by October 23rd 1916 he was in the field.
According to List no. PM423 Christopher was reported to be prisoner of war in Germany. The first report received was dated March 21st 1918.The information came through via the Geneva Red Cross April 26th 1918. However, by July 6th 1918 his death in Germany was accepted. The place of death was noted as being a camp at Freidrichsfeld (near Wesel) which was known to be one of the better Prisoner of War Camps in Germany. He died of wounds.
Total service was 2 years and 215 days.
Pension awarded was 20s5d for his widow and one child as from April 14th 1919. Monies due to him were 2s 10d and 3s 11d. Probate was £262.3s.2d.
Cologne was not occupied by the Allies until December 6th 1918 under the terms of the Treaty of Versailles. The Southern Cemetery was used during the war for the burial of more than 1000 allied prisoners.
His widow, Edith remarried in 1922 to George J Moody.
Medals: British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Christopher Shepherd Brown is remembered at Durham on D47.043, D47.052 and D47.141
