Hartlepool Mail Monday 30th October 1944
He was born in 1911, and was the son of Harry and Elizabeth Brown, of West Hartlepool, husband of Mary Winifred Brown, of West Hartlepool, who resided at 25 Charlotte Street, West Hartlepool.
War Diary Entry
22 September 1944:
Regiment held up at Veghel to allow for passage of 69 Bde, 2IC reports to HQ 101 US Airborne Division to receive orders regarding deployment of guns in defensive role. 317 received orders from YS army to give support in defence of expected enemy thrust to main route from north-west. Major Balfour of Royal Dragoons Recce unit took command of sector and gave order to 317 Battery to deploy one gun in anti tank role and for personnel to take up defensive position on main road.
This order was then cancelled and orders given to follow up 4 tanks as infantry troops. 317 Battery requested reinforcements from 275 Battery. 2IC returned with orders and ordered 198 battery to deploy 2 guns in Anti tank role and 275 Battery to deploy 2 guns for predicted shoot. 317 and 275 Battery infantry sections moved off with tanks. 198 Battery fired one round airburst at enemy infantry.
Many tanks approached along canal bank, engaged and destroyed 1 3 tonner of 198 battery and fired at and wounded a DR of 198 battery. 198 battery fired 2 rounds op AP, from gun on wheels. 198 battery casualties 2 -ORs wounded, 2 guns deployed in anti tank role. 275 battery fired 60 rounds airburst.
2IC ordered to deploy 275 and 317 battery guns in ground role in present location and to report to US HQ with W-T for fire control. 317 and 275 infantry sections returned, Captain W. R .A. Balkwill and 5 OR killed, 1 OR wounded, 7 OR prisoners and 1 OR missing. 198 battery fired 12 rounds airburst on battery shelling Veghel, later fired 33 rounds airburst on enemy field guns. 198 battery deployed remaining guns in anti tank role, together with guns of 275 battery and 317 battery. 7 OR taken prisoners, escaped and returned, 1 wounded, Bren gun detachment of 198 battery captured two enemy approaching bridge with demolition material.
Source:- Royal Artillery Units Netherlands with thanks.
The Hartlepool Mail Monday 30/10/1944 carried a report about him. (see photo).
He is remembered at West Hartlepool on W111.55