Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of Frank BROWN and Mary Lydia nee BATTINSON

Ernest Frederick Brown: A Soldier’s Journey

Early Life

Ernest Frederick Brown was born in the early 1890s in Adelaide, South Australia, during a time when the country was still a dominion of the British Crown. Raised in a family affiliated with the Church of England, Brown grew up in the rural landscapes of South Australia. By the time of his enlistment, he was working as a farm labourer, accustomed to the demands of physical Labor. His mother, Mary Lydia Brown, was listed as his next of kin, residing in Kingscote, South Australia.

Physically, Brown stood at 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighed approximately 142¾ lbs.

He had a dark complexion, blue eyes, and brown hair.

A notable entry in his medical records was his unvaccinated status. His medical examination confirmed that he had good eyesight, a healthy heart and lungs, and no physical defects, making him fit for active service.

Enlistment and Military Service

Brown enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) on 26 March 1916, at the age of 20. His attestation paper reveals that he had prior military experience, having served for one year in the Citizen Forces. With no criminal record and a strong commitment to his country, he signed the Oath of Allegiance on the same day.

He was assigned to the 2nd Reinforcements, 2nd Light Horse Regiment, 1st Battalion, a unit renowned for its involvement in some of the most significant campaigns of World War I. He embarked for service on 6 February 1915 aboard HMAT Itonus A50 from Adelaide, South Australia. His initial destination was Egypt, where Australian and New Zealand forces underwent additional training before being deployed to combat zones.

Service in Gallipoli

Brown was later transferred to the 9th Light Horse Regiment, which played a crucial role in the Gallipoli Campaign of 1915. As cavalry units were impractical in trench warfare, the regiment fought as dismounted infantry in some of the most intense battles of the campaign. They were involved in the Battle of Hill 60 in August 1915, a last-ditch attempt to gain control of strategic high ground, and in the defense of ANZAC Cove,  where they endured relentless Turkish attacks.

The harsh conditions of Gallipoli, including limited supplies, rugged terrain, and extreme weather, led to significant casualties among the ANZAC forces. The 9th Light Horse Regiment suffered heavy losses, and by December 1915, the decision was made to withdraw all Allied forces from the peninsula.

Sinai and Palestine Campaign

After Gallipoli, Brown and his regiment regrouped in Egypt, where they resumed their cavalry role. The 9th Light Horse Regiment took part in the Sinai and Palestine Campaign from 1916 to 1918, a series of battles aimed at pushing back Ottoman forces and securing key strategic locations.

Some of the key battles in which Brown likely participated include:

Battle of Romani (4-5 August 1916): This battle was instrumental in halting the Ottoman advance toward the Suez Canal.

Battle of Magdhaba (23 December 1916): The regiment played a key role in capturing an important Ottoman outpost in the Sinai Desert.

Battle of Rafa (9 January 1917): This victory further solidified the ANZAC forces’ control over the region.
 

Medical Issues and Hospitalization

The gruelling conditions of the war took a toll on Brown’s health. On 27 August 1915, he fell ill with a blood condition and was evacuated to a hospital in Malta. His condition worsened, and he was later transferred to England aboard the hospital ship H.S. Georgian. On 9 September 1915, he was admitted to a hospital in England, where he was diagnosed with synovitis of the knee, a painful inflammation of the joint lining.

Due to his deteriorating health, Brown was declared unfit for further service and was repatriated to Australia on 6 September 1916. He was officially discharged from the AIF on 14 April 1919 due to medical disability.

Awards and Recognition

For his service in World War I, Brown was awarded the 1914/15 Star Medal, a decoration given to soldiers who had served in the war before the end of 1915. This  medal was a testament to his bravery and contributions to the war effort.

Life After the War

After returning to Australia, Brown faced the challenges of reintegration into civilian life. He lived until 1968, passing away at the age of 71. His final resting place is at Centennial Park Cemetery in South Australia, where he is remembered for his service and sacrifice.

Bibliographies/ references

Australian War Memorial. (n.d.). First World War, 1914–1918. Retrieved from https://www.awm.gov.au/articles/atwar/first-world-war

Australian War Memorial. (n.d.). 9th Light Horse Regiment. Retrieved from https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/U51463

National Archives of Australia. (n.d.). Service records of Ernest Frederick Brown (WWI). Retrieved from https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au
(Search by name: "Ernest Frederick Brown")

Bean, C. E. W. (1941). Official History of Australia in the War of 1914–1918 (Vols. I–XII). Angus & Robertson.
(Especially Volumes II–VII for Gallipoli and the Sinai–Palestine campaigns.)

Commonwealth War Graves Commission. (n.d.). Casualty details and cemetery records. Retrieved from https://www.cwgc.org

South Australian Genealogy & Heraldry Society. (n.d.). Cemetery records – Centennial Park Cemetery. Retrieved from https://www.centennialpark.org

Department of Veterans' Affairs. (n.d.). Nominal Rolls – World War I. Retrieved from https://nominal-rolls.dva.gov.au/

Terrace, V. (2025). View digital copy. [online] Naa.gov.au. Available at:
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=1
795857 [Accessed 23 Mar. 2025].