Henry Brown, one of 7 children, the eldest of 3 brothers he had 1 elder and 3 younger sisters. His father John Brown Snr was born in 1858 at Bellingham, Northumberland and married at the age of 22-years in the district of Hexham, to Annie Steele, born 1861 at Wark, Northumberland. Their daughter Mary Ann and son Henry were born at Slaley in 1881 and 1884 respectively, also Jane in 1886 who sadly died aged 1-year 10 months, March 12th 1888 at Blanchland, while Annie was pregnant with their fourth child, she was interred at The Church of St. Mary Churchyard, Blanchland, John Jnr was born during the 3rd quarter (July/Aug/Sep) 1888. Their third daughter, who they chose to also name Jane, was born in 1890 whilst they were still living in the village of Blanchland, where John Snr was employed as a mason. Over the next ten years they had a further two children, Robert William in 1892 and Elizabeth 1895. John Snr supported his younger children as the only breadwinner, Mary Ann (19) was employed as a housemaid, one of 4 domestic servants and lived in the home of merchant Robert Farrow, his wife Rhoda, sons Robert and Arnold and daughter Susan, at Woodside, Sunderland, Henry (16) was a boarder in the home of stud groom James Watkin and wife Dora at Dovecote, Stannington, Henry was employed as a groom. John Brown Snr (48) died, June 16th 1906 and interred in the family plot within St. Mary’s, Blanchland. By 1911 Mary Ann (29) had returned to the family home although still employed as a waiting maid, John (22) had followed in his father’s footsteps to become a stone mason, Robert William (18) was a general labourer, all three supported their mother Annie and sister Elizabeth (16), Henry was living in 2 rooms at Mitford, Morpeth, which he shared with chauffeur Albert Edward Dunn, he was employed as a coachman, the whereabouts of Jane are unknown.

Henry enlisted for war service, May 11th 1915 and was assigned as Private SE7976 Army Veterinary Corps (which gained the royal prefix in 1918 and became the Royal Army Veterinary Corps) due to his knowledge of horses, the SE lettering indicates he was General Service. He departed to France, May 26th 1915. The Corps which was responsible for the medical care of animals used by the Army, comprised vets as officers and men with experience or an aptitude with animals and dealt predominately with horses, mules and pigeons.

In the absence of a military record it is impossible to know his exact movements, however, having been diagnosed as suffering from nephritis (kidney inflammation), he was sent back to the UK and transferred to Class “P’ under section 3, “as a result of having served in the Army or TF, would, if discharged, be eligible for a pension on the grounds of disability or length of service.” Private Henry Brown was discharged, April 15th 1917 and awarded a pension as of April 16th, his condition attributed to his war service, however, July 15th 1920 it was suspended, reason stated, “no longer grounds for further award.” Silver Badge number 195428, awards 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.

His younger brothers also served Robert William Brown with the Durham Light Infantry, sadly Private John Brown Northumberland Fusiliers was killed in action June 21st 1916.

Henry’s mother Annie Brown nee Steele (77) died, August 11 1938 and interred with, “her beloved husband,” and daughter Jane in the family plot, St Mary’s, Blanchland. The headstone also makes reference to the death of their son John during WW1.

Further details as regards Henry Brown are unknown.

In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.