William Brown (1891–1965)

Private

Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment) 201052 2/5th & 2/6th Battalions

Biography
William was born at Fritchley and lived near the Green. He has tentatively been identfied as the brother of George Brown who is on the Roll. Prior to enlistment, he was a collier. In March 1918 he was taken as a PoW on the Somme, at Bullescourt, and was interned in camps at Marchiennam and Dülmen. William returned home in Dec 1918. He later worked as a navvy.

Medal Roll Index Card
He was award the Victory and British War medals
2/5th & 2/6th Battalions

PoW record
BROWN William, 201052, Pte; Notts & Derby D Coy; Bullscourt 21-3-18; Marchiennam 26.4.18; Belper 20-2-91; Wingfield Park, Fritchley; Mrs Brown
Brown William 201052; 9 N&D D Coy; Somme 21.3.18; Dulmen; 20.1.1891; Fritchley; frau; Wingfield Park, Fritchley
[note: although PoW states he was with the 9th Bn, this battalion was not on the Somme when the Germans launched their Spring offensive.]

Newspaper Reports

Derbyshire Courier, 1 June 1918
Another soldier taken prisoner is Private William Brown, of the Green, whose parents recently had news to this effect. Private Brown, who is in the Sherwoods writes from Dulmen, Westphalia, stating that he was taken prisoner on 21 March. He was over on leave just before Christmas.

Derbyshire Courier, 14 December 1918
Several local soldiers who have been prisoners of war in Germany have returned home during the week. They include Lance Corporal Charles Walters, Leicesters, of Fold yard, Crich, who has had six months in captivity; Gunner Jesse Barrett, of Kirkham Lane, Fritchley, who arrived on Monday; Private James Kay was taken prisoner last May, who arrived on Wednesday; and a Private Brown of the Green Fritchley.

William Brown's brother George Brown is also on the Roll of Honour.


CENSUS INFORMATION

1901: Fritchley

Forename Surname Relationship Age Occupation Where born
William Brown Head 50 Lime burner Hucknall
Harriet Brown wife 36   Fritchley
Elizth Brown daughter 16 Domestic servant Fritchley
Eliza Brown daughter 14 Domestic servant Fritchley
George Brown son 12   Fritchley
William Brown son 10   Fritchley
Agnes Brown daughter 7   Fritchley
John Brown son 3   Fritchley
Harriet A Brown daughter 10 mo   Fritchley

RG13 piece 3231 folio 14 page 19

1911: Bargate, Holbrook

Forename Surname Relationship Age Occupation Where born
William Brown Head 60 Lime works labourer Hucknall
Harriet Brown wife 48   Fritchley
Elizabeth Brown daughter 26 Cook domestic Fritchley
Eliza Brown daughter 24 Hosiery hand Fritchley
George Brown son 22 Wireworks labourer Fritchley
William Brown son 20 Coal miner hewer Fritchley
Agnes Brown daughter 17 Hosiery hand Fritchley
John Brown son 13 Jobbing gardener Fritchley
Harriet Annie Brown daughter 10   Fritchley
Thomas Brown son 4   Fritchley

RG14PN20983 RG78PN1251 RD436 SD4 ED12 SN185

1939 Register: Fritchley
William Brown b.20 January 1891; navvy heavy worker
two closed records