Sunday 12 July 2015

Brown, Richard Thomas - Private (34896)

Pte Richard T Brown
10th Battalion,
Lancashire Fusiliers,
Killed in Action 10th February 1917,
Age 23,
Buried Serre Road Cemetery No.2

Newspaper Report:

Mr. and Mrs. Simeon Brown of Swineherd Lowe Farm, Haslingden, have received official news that their third son, Pte. R.T. Brown, Lancashire Fusiliers, was killed in action in France on 10th February, 1917.  The deceased was 23 years of age.
A letter received by his sister (Mrs. Bargh) from an officer, states that he was killed instantaneously by a bursting shell while on duty in the front line of the trenches.  His officer was near him at the time.
Deceased was of a bright and jovial disposition, and several comrades have written letters of sympathy, in which they describe him as a good lad and a true soldier.
He joined the colours on 8th June, 1916, and went to France on August 28th. He worked for Messrs. T and E,. Heys, carriers as cowman.  Two of his brothers are at the front, and a sister is matron at Haslingden Public Hall Hospital. 

Newspaper Memorials:

In loving memory of our dear Son and Brother, Private Richard Thomas Brown, 10th Lancashire Fusiliers, killed in action February 10th 1917.

"Far away from his home and loved ones,
Laid to rest in a far off land;
'Tis only those who have lost can tell,
The pain of parting without a farewell.

No one who knew him need ever be told,
That a warmer heart death never turned cold;
His loving smile, his cheerful face,
There's none can fill our brother's place."

From Father and Mother, Brothers and Sisters, Knowl Gap Farm, Haslingden.

"His King and country called him,
The call was not in vain;
On Britain's roll of honour,
You'll find our hero's name.

A loving brother, true and kind,
A beautiful memory left behind."

Ever remembered by his Sisters and Brothers in law

"For many years the family chain,
Was closely linked together,
But oh, that chain is broken now,
One link has gone for ever.

We miss your sunny countenance,
Which never from memory will fade,
Nor yet will we forget,
The noble sacrifice you made.

And when our hearts are sore for you,
We seem to hear you say,
"Keep up yhour heart, we will meet again,
On that Eternal Day."

From Father, Mother, Brother and Sisters, Knowl Gap Farm, Haslingden.

"Far from all who loved him dearly,
In a hero's grave he lies;
Duty called, he nobly answered,
Did his duty till he died."

From John and Annie, Sister and Brother in law, 248 Helmshore Road, Helmshore.

"Sleep on, dear brother, and take thy rest,
For God takes those He loves the best;
On earth there's strife in heaven rest,
They miss you most who loved you best.

What happy hours we once enjoyed,
How sweet their memory still;
But they have left an aching void,
The world can never fill."

From John and Maggie, Sister and Brother in law, Helmcroft Farm Helmshore.

"He left his home in perfect health,
He looked so young and brave;
We little thought how soon he would
Be laid in a hero's grave.

No one knows the parting,
Or what the parting cost;
But God in His great mercy,
Has gained what we have lost."

From Lizzie, Mary, Edith, Sisters and Brothers in law, Charlie (in India) and Harold (in France).

"Though land and sea divides the place,
Where he is calmly sleeping,
Yet in our hearts he's not forgot,
Though in our Saviour's keeping."

From Brother and Sister in law, Sim and Alice, Prospect Hill, Haslingden.

"Dear Uncle Dick we miss you,
We miss your smiling face,
And you went to France one day,
And fought and died for us and all."
Just one year ago today. February 10th, 1917

From Charlie, Willie, Freddie, George, Dick and Maggie.


Pte Richard Thomas Brown Census details - Click over census to enlarge