Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of Albert Edward and Margaret Isabell Brown, of Wellington, New South Wales, Australia.

BELOVED SON OF A.E. AND M.I. BROWN OF WELLINGTON, N.S.W. IN GOD'S CARE

SERGEANT E. A.
BROWN
BELIEVED TO HAVE
BEEN KILLED
Among the names in the list of R.A.A.F. casualties which were issued on Tuesday is that of Sergt. A. E. Brown, of Wellington. The name appears under the list of previously  missing, now missing, believed killed.
Just before Christmas news was received by the parents through the International Red Cross Society, which body had been making investigations, stating that no trace of their son could be found, and it was presumed he had been killed, but not to give up hope. The suspense, of course, was a great ordeal for the parents and relatives, but the latest news is  not at all encouraging, and it now appears that this young Wellingtonian is another to have paid the supreme sacrifice while flighting for the rights of civilisation and democracy  against the German mad man, Hitler who, in seeking world power, by at first invading the smaller countries, brought about this world-wide struggle, in which so many young lives  have been lost in the various theatres of war. 

Ernie, as he was known to all his friends in the west, has been missing since September 9th, when he took part in the bombing of the German city of Dusseldorf, and he failed to  return. It was at first thought he might have bailed out, and escaped, or been taken prisoner, but through out the months that have passed no tidings have been heard of him and  it must now be presumed that he lost his life. He always had a flair for flying, and before the war started he, with several other young Wellington boys, joined an aero club with  the object of learning to fly. When war broke out he joined the R.A.A.F., and after going through his course successfully in this country, was drafted to Canada, where so many  other Australians completed their training. He rapidly gained promotion, and was afterwards sent to England. After being in the homeland he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant Navigator, and was said to be one of the best observers that left these shores. Altogether he took part in eight raids over Germany, and was in the great blitz when 1000 planes  bombed Cologne last year. He was about due for fur ther promotion, and had he survived that last flight, might have soon been promoted as an instructor, either in England or in  this country.

He was a native of this town, being the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Brown, and was 29 years of age. He received his education here, and was a pupil of the Wellington  Intermediate High School. Throughout his school days he showed ability in all departments, and it was no surprise to those who knew him so well that he rose so rapidly in the air  force. After leaving school he was in the office at Howland's Garage for a number of years. He then left for Cobar, but the climate being unsuitable to him, he returned to his old  job, where he was employed when he enlisted. He was a prominent member of the Wellington Amateur Swimming Club, being secretary for a number of years, and in this position he again showed his ability, as at that time the club was one of the most flourishing in the State, and the secretary's work was not light. He took an exceptional interest in this  class of sport, and, with the Wellington team, made yearly visits to various towns in the west, often as manager of teams competing in cup events. He was most popular,with all  classes, having a striking personality that made him friends with all with whom he came in contact, and shone out as an organ iser of social events in connection with the  Swimming Club. One would like to believe that the news of his death is not true, but the odds appear against it. Practically 95 per cent of the members of the Swimming Club are  on active service. One for certain has paid the supreme sacrifice, others have been wounded, and many are missing in Singapore and Malaya. Ernie, like his fellow members, did  not hesitate to reply to the country's call when danger was at hand, and took on all the risks and hardships which have to be met with at such a time as this, and although  everyone was looking forward to the day when the boys would return, it appears that fate has decided that some at least will not return. They are real Australian heroes, and no  better tribute can be paid them than to state that they died that we might live. It is a great cross for the parents and relatives to carry, and the sympathy of all will go out to them  in the orreat suspense they are undergoing. Ernie's name will always remain green with his legion of friends in this town, for he proved himself a worthy son, and a true  Australian, a credit to his native town and to the R.A.A.F., of which he was such a fine example. A message from his Wing Commander referred in the highest terms to his ability  as a navigator. While in Canada he wrote several very interesting letters of his experiences in that country, which were published in this paper, and in his last letter to his parents  was looking forward to the time when he would return home.